FORT COLLINS — ‘Tis the season for goodwill between in-state rival football coaches.
Although Colorado State didn’t use its “Plan B,” the Rams had the option of going to Boulder on Sunday and practicing in Colorado’s bubble facility. CSU’s long-awaited indoor practice facility is under construction.
“Dan Hawkins is the nicest guy,” CSU coach Steve Fairchild said Monday of his CU counterpart. “He not only agreed to help us, he went out of his way to help us. When it came time to do it, (there was no wind) and was not that uncomfortable.”
That was easy for Fairchild to say after coaching in Buffalo, N.Y.
Another factor was taking nearly three hours for travel when players were studying for finals. Despite the single-digit temperatures, Fairchild said Sunday’s major preparation for the New Mexico Bowl “was a surprisingly good practice for us.”
CSU couldn’t go inside the gym because of a basketball doubleheader. The Rams went inside Monday for a walkthrough after four straight days of practice. A slight thaw is forecast today for outside practice, but Fairchild said if it’s too cold, the Rams have the option of going to CU.
Hawkins told Buffs fans and players at the CU team banquet Sunday about the invitation. Before getting its bubble, CU traveled to the Broncos’ facility to get indoor practice for bowl games.
Ticket sales rout. CSU has distributed 4,300 tickets, more than 1,000 of which were bought for donations. Fresno State, which has a reputation of traveling well, had sold only 600 seats as of Monday.
Injury update. CSU defensive coordinator Larry Kerr said safety Mike Pagnotta, who missed most of November with shoulder surgery, will start if he’s ready. Safety Klint Kubiak (knee) had his best practice Sunday, telling coaches it was too cold for his knee to hurt.
Footnotes. Before leaving for Albuquerque, this year’s sideline coats will be donated to Homeless Gear, a charitable organization. . . . Watch parties are scheduled Saturday at Buffalo Wild Wings in Fort Collins and C.B. & Potts in Greenwood Village. . . . Jon Eastman, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound quarterback from Snow College in Utah, orally committed after his recruiting trip this weekend. He will enroll for spring semester and compete in spring drills.
Natalie Meisler: 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com
