FORT COLLINS — Two days later, freshman Garrett Grayson was more subdued about his performance in his starting debut Saturday against TCU.
“We lost, so I didn’t get it done,” Grayson said. “We all wanted to pull the Iowa State (over Oklahoma State upset win) and shock the world, but it didn’t happen. As well as people may have said I played, we didn’t win, so I’m not as happy as I could be about it.”
Grayson threw for 248 yards, a touchdown and an interception in CSU’s 34-10 loss. The interception was returned for a touchdown.
Grayson is going to start his second collegiate game this week, said coach Steve Fairchild, whose team is preparing to face Air Force. Regular starting quarterback Pete Thomas remains day to day with a sprained knee.
“Garrett’s our starting quarterback,” said Fairchild during his weekly Monday news conference. “Like I’ve said all along, I was going to play Garrett (in the final three games) regardless of Pete’s situation. I want to make sure he gets the chance to play. I think we owe that to him. We’ll just see if Pete is available.”
Thomas did not practice Monday. Grayson, meanwhile, went about the task of getting ready for his first home start.
“I’m ready for it,” said Grayson of starting again. “If he keeps that decision throughout the week I’ll be ready. I’m going to study film and everything just like I did last week. I’m sure Pete will have my back. But Pete wants to be back and when he is I’m sure he’ll be the starter, so I’ll be backing him up and be confident when I have to go in, if I do.”
Footnote. CSU defensive end Nordly Capi has been named to the Ted Hendricks Award watch list, it was announced Monday. The award is given to the nation’s best defensive end. Capi has racked up nine sacks this season, 10 1/2 tackles for loss and six forced fumbles.
Chris Dempsey: 303-954-1279 or cdempsey@denverpost.com
