FORT COLLINS — Air could be a factor in Colorado State’s opener Sunday against Colorado. Not the altitude in Boulder, but the haze in the area Tuesday that could linger if the California wildfires don’t die.
CSU coach Steve Fairchild was so focused on practice Tuesday for the Rams’ game at Folsom Field that he didn’t notice the mountains were barely visible. His players, who had a practice of more than two hours, noticed the difference in air quality.
“It was pretty tough,” said center Tim Walter.
Said quarterback Grant Stucker: “On one level, it’s more mental. You have to shrug it off.”
The haze was just as bad in Boulder.
Injury report.
The Rams are healthy for the CU game except for guard Shelley Smith (sprained ankle). He was the only member of the two-deep roster held out of practice Tuesday.
Fairchild listed Smith, a fifth-year senior post- season honors candidate, as “day by day.” He wouldn’t speculate on his availability for Sunday.
“There’s a possibility we wouldn’t have (any given player) Sunday,” he said.
Smith turned the ankle Saturday during practice.
Natalie Meisler, The Denver Post
