Most states have official trees, flowers and birds. New Mexico has an unofficial question — “red or green?” — as in chili preference.
Colorado State resoundingly answered “green” Sunday to the much anticipated official bid to the third New Mexico Bowl to play Fresno State (7-5) (in the red uniforms) on Dec. 20 in Albuquerque. The 12:30 p.m. start is the only college game in the time slot and gives CSU a rare appearance on ESPN.
In lieu of getting the host team, New Mexico, bowl executive director Jeff Siembieda said: “This is the perfect opportunity (to grow the bowl without the Lobos) with this matchup. Fresno State and Colorado State both resonate a fantastic matchup with a lot of history. We try to put together some old rivalries.”
The draw was the best possible scenario for CSU in the Mountain West-Western Athletic Conference bowl pairing. “They’re a known team. We’ve played them in the past. There’s a little history there,” said Steve Fairchild, the first CSU coach to take his team to a bowl in his first season. “(Fresno State) coach Pat Hill is a good friend of mine.”
Although Fairchild won’t put the team through actual Fresno State preparation until at least this weekend, he said, “They are a good team. They beat Rutgers. They beat UCLA.”
CSU senior linebacker Jeff Horinek recalled the hostile reception the Rams received in Fresno two years ago.
“They had the band playing at us, they were all woofin’ at us. I didn’t hear them woofing that much after the game,” said Horinek, whose Rams won that game 35-23.
As WAC rivals from 1992-98, CSU answered with four straight wins after Trent Dilfer led Fresno State in 1992 to a 52-21 victory in its first game as a WAC member. The teams did not play every year in the WAC. The series moved to a sporadic nonleague rivalry, with Fresno State holding a 3-2 edge since the Rams left for the Mountain West.
Most of all, the Rams are just happy to be in the postseason.
“I’m very excited, It’s a good way to go out in your senior year and get a winning record, which we haven’t had since I’ve been here,” said Horinek. “Coach Fairchild is going to do some great things around here, and hopefully we can get him started.”
As 14 recruits watched bowl practice Saturday, Fairchild said, “The whole bowl situation gives us momentum going into the offseason.”
Natalie Meisler: 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com
Eye on … The Bulldogs
Colorado St. vs. Fresno St. New Mexico Bowl, 12:30 p.m., Dec. 20, ESPN
For the record: Fresno State finished the regular season 7-5 overall, 4-4 in the Western Athletic Conference.
Streaking: Special-teams contributor Bear Pascoe has blocked a school-record six kicks in his career, including a field goal in the 61-10 regular-season finale loss at Boise State.
Who’s hot: Senior QB Tom Brandstater played against CSU in 2006. He was named the team MVP a week ago. He completed 60 percent of his passes this season for 2,478 yards and 17 TDs. He already has graduated and is working on his MBA.
Who’s not: Fresno State’s pass defense. The Bulldogs are tied with Miami for last in NCAA interceptions with just four.
Key stat: Fresno State ranks 109th nationally in turnover margin at minus-.92. Colorado State is 50th and plus-.17
FYI: This is the 12th meeting of the teams. The Rams won 35-23 at Fresno two years ago. Tickets are available at the CSU ticket office on campus, through the website and by phone 1-800-491-RAMS. Sideline seats are $30. Members of the Rams Club have a 5 p.m. Wednesday deadline to ensure priority seating.. . . The game is technically the second of the bowl season, starting 3 1/2 hours after the EagleBank Bowl.
Injury report: Not available.
Coachspeak: “It’s a fairly easy drive from Denver, and we’re playing a solid opponent in Fresno State.” — CSU coach Steve Fairchild
Natalie Meisler, The Denver Post
