FORT COLLINS — Colorado State’s wild 36-34 win over Idaho witnessed an unusual day for the offensive line.
Weston Richburg drew his first career start at center but didn’t finish the game. He was tossed for throwing a punch early in the fourth quarter. It’s an automatic ejection. Still to be determined is whether he will have to sit out the next game.
Joining Richburg in the starting lineup was guard Joe Caprioglio. For unexplained reasons, quarterback Pete Thomas tossed a shovel pass in Caprioglio’s direction. It was recorded in the statistics as a 2-yard receiving loss.
Usually, if an offensive lineman catches a pass, it’s on a tackle-eligible play. Idaho declined the third- down penalty.
Tackle Mark Starr left with symptoms of a concussion. Caprioglio moved to tackle, and Tyler McDermott, the original starter at center this season, came in at guard.
Smashing pumpkins.
CSU’s orange jerseys were officially called “pumpkin,” the original team color for the Colorado A&M Aggies. The bright shade was more like traffic-cone (or sideline-marker) orange.
Asked if the Rams would wear the retro unis next week against No. 4 TCU, CSU coach Steve Fairchild replied, “Maybe.”
Mosts since.
Raymond Carter’s 72-yard reception from Pete Thomas with 1:31 left in the third quarter was CSU’s longest play from scrimmage since the 2008 New Mexico Bowl. . . . CSU’s 36 points were the most for the Rams since the 2008 40-35 New Mexico Bowl win over Fresno State. . . . Thomas’ 386 yards passing yards were the most since Justin Holland’s 419 yards in 2005 against Wyoming.
More on DeLine.
CSU kicker Ben DeLine, who kicked the winning field goal, is the son of former Ram Steve DeLine. Of his postgame meeting with his dad, the current Ram said, “He was over here still sweating. I could tell he was missing half his hair.”
