FORT COLLINS — At the start of the season, Colorado State’s hope for a successful run this season and beyond was strapped to the broad shoulders of sophomore quarterback Pete Thomas.
Maybe it still is.
But in a two-week span in November that plan is being challenged. Unexpectedly, Thomas now is being challenged. No one who had been critical of the structure and play-calling of Colorado State’s offense could deny that same offense sprang to life with Garrett Grayson running it Saturday at TCU.
And the result has become questions about what direction coach Steve Fairchild should take at quarterback now and in the future, should the coach be retained beyond this season. Fairchild’s decision is being made for him this week and possibly beyond since Thomas (knee sprain) is not likely to play.
Thomas’ uncertain status largely turns these last two games into an extended audition for Grayson, who opened eyes with 301 yards from scrimmage (248 passing), with a touchdown and an interception against the Horned Frogs.
But shhh. Though there is a growing chorus among fans to install Grayson as the permanent starter, Fairchild keeps that at arm’s length.
There is no quarterback controversy here, Fairchild says. Only good, healthy competition.
“I’d like to have that at every spot,” Fairchild said. “I’d like to have players where we’re thinking, ‘Wow, there’s two guys worthy of starting. Who do we play?’ It’s a good problem to have. I guarantee you this: It’ll bring out the best in both of them.”
Thomas has nearly two years worth of work to dissect, and he’s one of Grayson’s biggest fans as the freshman prepares for the second start of his career Saturday against Air Force. Grayson has remained level-headed about the TCU game — one of the best quarterback starting debuts in recent CSU history.
“I’m confident about the way I played,” Grayson said. “But there’s always some mistakes that people bailed me out, or I threw some bad throws.”
Thomas, meanwhile said he is not worried about being pushed.
“I’m a very self-motivated guy, but obviously it makes it more real,” Thomas said. “It just gives you that extra little edge to keep improving every day. That’s what you want. It makes me better; it makes him better.”
Coaches knew of Grayson’s talent. It’s the chief reason why Fairchild did not want to play him this season and redshirt him. Grayson’s steady improvement in practice, his play at TCU and Thomas’ injury have sped up that clock.
“He’s done what you’d like everyone to do regardless of their role,” Fairchild said. “He’s had some reps and when he’s had a chance to perform he’s performed well. He came into August camp as the No. 3 quarterback. He earned his way into the No. 2 slot and now with injuries into the starting spot, you’d like everyone to approach it like that.
“You could make a couple plays in a two-minute period and you practice well, and all of a sudden you’re No. 2. Then a guy gets hurt and you’re out there playing. Good teams have that type of depth and that type of competition.”
Chris Dempsey: 303-954-1279 or cdempsey@denverpost.com
