BOULDER — Five weeks ago, Colorado’s rushing attack literally went backward against Florida State. Who could have guessed the Buffaloes would make some positive news on the ground by midseason?
Hugh Charles did. The 5-foot-8, 190-pound senior speedster netted a career-best 171 yards Saturday against a Kansas State defense that entered the game ranked 20th among major-college teams in rushing yards allowed.
Charles reached 100 yards for the fourth consecutive game, the first CU player to do so since 2002 when Chris Brown reached the century mark in eight straight games.
“I knew that as soon as I got healthy, it was going to be different,” Charles said Tuesday. “I’m a senior. I need to be a leader. I was the guy who was going to get (the running attack) going.”
Charles strained a hamstring during the first offensive series in the opener against Colorado State. He sat out the 33-14 loss at Arizona State, when the Buffs gained just 32 yards on 26 carries, and drew just four carries the following week when CU netted minus-27 yards on 25 carries (including sacks and a fumble recovery for a loss). Since that 16-6 loss to Florida State, CU has rushed for at least 157 yards each week.
Time change. Kickoff for Saturday’s home game against No. 15 Kansas has been moved up by ESPN from 3:45 to 3:31 p.m.
– Tom Kensler
Air Force
AIR FORCE ACADEMY — Coach Troy Calhoun said Tuesday tailback Chad Smith wouldn’t return this week from an ankle injury that sidelined him for the Colorado State game. The Falcons didn’t hurt for a rushing offense, with Chad Hall taking over and gaining an AFA- record 256 yards in the 45-21 rout of the Rams.
Kip McCarthy will get the starting call against Wyoming.
Calhoun said defensive end Jake Paulson remained questionable for Saturday’s game.
Calhoun criticized the AFA defense for lack of aggressive play against the Rams.
“We have to play bigger on defense,” Calhoun said. “We have to be more sudden and quicker in our play.”
– Tom Kensler
Colorado State
FORT COLLINS — Defensive tackle Blake Smith, who returned to the Air Force game after leaving early with an ankle injury, watched practice in street clothes wearing a boot on the ankle. His status is uncertain for Saturday at UNLV.
Safety Mike Pagnotta, who has missed three games because of an ankle injury, returned to limited drills and is hopeful about playing. Running back Gartrell Johnson stayed out of contact work because of a mild ankle sprain suffered in the AFA game.
Meanwhile, UNLV coach Mike Sanford said the Rebels’ starting quarterback will be a game-day decision. Redshirt freshman Travis Dixon injured his ankle against BYU last week and true freshman Omar Clayton might get the call.
Richie Plunkett, who transferred to UNLV from CSU, is a backup offensive tackle.
TV update. The Eastern Washington-BYU game is on The Mtn. CSU-UNLV is not.
– Natalie Meisler
