FORT COLLINS — Give or take The Bronze Boot on Saturday at Wyoming, Colorado State’s improvement over 11 games generates mixed reviews from coaches.
While fans showed their discontent Saturday when much of a record-low 16,501 streamed out of Hughes Stadium at halftime, CSU coach Steve Fairchild was more upbeat at his final Monday media briefing.
“I think this year has been exactly what I thought it would be in terms of progress,” Fairchild said of his projections with a rebuilt offensive line and a new quarterback.
“In some way, I’m more encouraged. I think we have taken some huge steps and I think we have some talented kids in our program. Now it’s just up to us to develop them as quickly as we can and get them in the right spots.”
He said freshman quarterback Pete Thomas has exceeded expectations. Thomas leads all freshmen nationally with a 66.2 completion percentage.
Just getting him ready to compete was the first priority. Fairchild said there will be some tuning in terms of footwork and delivery. Thomas doesn’t throw many spirals and has held the ball too long at times. While many could not be charged to Thomas, CSU has given up 38 sacks, 116th in the country.
The coordinators weren’t as generous in their overall assessment.
“It’s been very inconsistent,” defensive coordinator Larry Kerr said. “We have some areas I think we played very well. Based on our personnel, we’re about as good as we can be. But I’d like to be better than what we’ve shown.”
Kerr had nothing but praise for tackle Guy Miller and linebackers Ricky Brewer and Mychal Sisson.
Offensive coordinator Pat Meyer said “yes and no” in the area of improvement. “You see improvement in certain aspects,” he said. “A play here and there dictates how you handle a game. There are positive things and a lot of negative things we have to clean up.”
Wake-up call. Fairchild said the Rams will practice Tuesdays and Thursdays in the morning during spring ball.
Sisson leads FBS: Sisson tops the nation in forced fumbles with 0.55 per game. He has forced five fumbles in his last three games.
Natalie Meisler: 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com
