FORT COLLINS — Play four years for a program with an offense like Boise State’s, and the wins will come.
At least that was Broncos quarterback Kellen Moore’s explanation for his 44th career win Saturday in the 63-13 rout of Colorado State.
Moore is within one victory of former Texas QB Colt McCoy atop the NCAA all-time list. Moore was more talkative about helping set the team total offense record of 742 yards, 5 more than in the Hawaii game a year ago. He completed 26-of-30 passes for 338 yards in less than three quarters.
“We had explosive plays,” he said of his 62- and 52-yard TD passes to Tyler Shoemaker and a 65-yard run by running back Doug Martin, who finished with 200 yards.
As for completing his first 18 passes, Moore said, “I felt we were executing. That’s the way it goes in practice.”
More injuries.
Knee injuries have been a disappointing story line this season for CSU, and they continued, hitting the offensive line.
Starting tackle and senior captain Paul Madsen left in the first half with a knee sprain and did not return. Coach Steve Fairchild said he thought Madsen would be out three weeks.
Linebacker Mike Orakpo left the game in the first half with what was officially called a “head” injury. Fairchild stopped short of saying it was a concussion. Orakpo did not return.
TD pass breakdown.
Trick plays accounted for both of CSU’s touchdowns, and this interesting stat: The Rams have nine TD passes this season, and three have come on trick plays. Two have been thrown by wide receiver Charles Lovett. Grayson retains redshirt.
Fairchild said he didn’t give too much thought to taking quarterback Pete Thomas out of the game when things got out of hand. Freshman Garrett Grayson is the backup, but Fairchild wants to preserve his redshirt status.
Unlucky 63.
It was the second time CSU yielded 63 points in a Mountain West game. The undefeated 2004 Utah team crushed CSU 63-31. Then Utah coach Urban Meyer put the Alex Smith-led first team back on the field after CSU staged a rally.
