Houston – It wasn’t how Colorado State safety Klint Kubiak envisioned his chance to play in front of his father and 30 relatives.
It was supposed to be the day Houston Texans coach Gary Kubiak just briefly turned his concentration from today’s meeting with the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts.
But Klint Kubiak fainted in pregame warm-ups and was hospitalized as a precaution. He had planned to remain in Houston for today’s game at Reliant Stadium.
It was 91 degrees at kickoff. The team also had several large fans on the sideline. The players wouldn’t use heat exhaustion as an excuse.
“I felt pretty good,” defensive end Jesse Nading said. “We were prepared and we were hydrated.”
Jake Galusha started in Kubiak’s place, and Zac Bryson also saw extensive action in the secondary.
It was the second time this season a member of the team was hospitalized with heat complications. Special-teams coach Dave Arnold was treated for dehydration after the opener against Colorado.
Reunion
The Texans were well-represented on CSU’s sideline with offensive line coach and ex-Rams assistant John Benton, cornerback Dexter Wynn and practice-squad offensive lineman Mike Brisiel. Also, ex-Ram tight end Joel Dreessen, cut recently by the Texans, visited his old coaches.
Dreessen, one of the most fiery leaders in recent history, addressed the team at the hotel before the game.
Footnotes
Tight end Kory Sperry, lost for the season with a torn ACL, made the trip to support his teammates. None of CSU’s three tight ends caught a pass. Wide receiver Luke Roberts led with 113 yards on six catches. … CSU linebacker Jake Pottorff had a game-high 16 tackles. … Tackle Matt Rupp had one of his best games with nine tackles and 1 1/2 sacks. … Reserve defensive tackle Joey Madrid left the game with a knee sprain.
