For a freshman, for a first game and first start, Pete Thomas turned in a performance impressive in spots for Colorado State. Despite his resilience to adversity it wasn’t nearly good enough against a rival or almost anyone else.
In a 24-3 opening day loss to Colorado, Thomas, without support of any running game, slightly outthrew CU veteran Tyler Hansen 196 yards to 192. Thomas completed 24-of-33 passes, none longer than 18 yards, but the most significant setback came in the form of three interceptions.
Thomas shouldered the blame for CSU’s biggest flaw: 1-of-12 third-down efficiency.
“I think we did some really good stuff out there but we didn’t do enough good stuff,” Thomas said. “I felt on third down we needed to convert a few of those. If we (listen the coaches) by the end of the season we’ll be meshing pretty good.”
Other young quarterbacks could have had their confidence shattered by an ineffective start. Not Thomas, his teammates or his coaches.
“He never waivered. He’s my quarterback,” said junior offensive tackle Paul Madsen, one of the few experienced offensive linemen. “I think he’s going to be great down the road.
“His attitude is a huge positive. He showed accuracy.”
Thomas threw for 95 yards in the second quarter, completing 8-of-11 passes. CSU picked up five first downs passing in the quarter, but two of Thomas’ incompletions were interceptions.
CSU coach Steve Fairchild actually went as far as to predict far better things ahead instead of dwelling on the 10-game losing streak.
“I think the future’s bright there,” Fairchild said. “We have a long way to go with him and a lot of areas offensively, but there’s something in me that tells me that by the end of the year, this offense will be better than any one since I’ve been here.”
Thomas fielded postgame interview like a veteran, giving all the credit to CU cornerback Jalil Brown on Thomas’ second interception.
“I’ve been more nervous before high school games than I was before this one,” Thomas said. “I was calm and not too nervous but the game didn’t turn out the way we wanted it to. You’ve got to give them credit.”
Quarterbacks coach Daren Wilkinson liked most of what he saw: “He was pretty amped up to start the game. He had some issues getting the plays called. He never had that issue before.
“He was just excited. It was like he was reading backwards. Once the flow of the game got going I was pleased with how calm he was.”
But given the fact that CSU never once challenged the Buffs, Fairchild remained upbeat.
“I just love what I’m seeing. We’re still a long way off, but love what we’re doing and the way we’re playing. I do think we have some talent in the back field,” Fairchild said. “I guess a lot of it has to do with Pete Thomas. I just have a very good vibe and what he was doing and can do.”
Natalie Meisler: 303 954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com.
