FORT COLLINS — For all of the good Colorado State did in the first half Saturday, the second half was a suspect, bizarre version of the team that had played so well for 30 minutes.
A CSU offense that scored 28 points in the opening half mustered only three in the second. A defense that didn’t allow any points in the first half gave up 14 in the second.
“We lost focus,” coach Steve Fairchild said. “There’s a fine line between playing your best and being average to below average. It’s an edge you have to have play-in, play-out and you could just see we lost it on both sides of the ball in the second half.”
CSU quarterback Pete Thomas threw two of his three interceptions in the second half.
“I think we lost our edge a little bit,” Thomas said. “And we can’t do that.”
UNC coach Earnest Collins Jr. said he challenged his Bears to “win the second half.”
“They came out and did it,” Collins said, “and that’s something we have to build on.”
Gillmore talks injury.
CSU fullback Austin Gillmore walked gingerly off the field, right knee in a brace, putting on a brave face. The reality is his season could be in jeopardy after suffering a knee injury in the first half. He said he’ll get an MRI soon.
Asked if there was any contact that caused the injury, he said no.
“I was just going out to block the guy and my knee just gave in,” he said.
Day of firsts.
Saturday was the first career start for linebacker Shaq Barrett, defensive end Nordly Capi and tight end Blake Jones.
Fullback Jake Levin caught his first career touchdown pass, a 2-yard reception in the first quarter, which got the Rams on the scoreboard. Meanwhile, safety Ivory Herd recorded his first interception of the season, which was the second of his career.
