CSU’s 11-year mission to return to the national polls has been completed.
The Rams, who improved to 9-1 Saturday night with a 49-22 rout of Hawaii, landed at No. 23 in the Associated Press Top 25 and No. 25 in the USA Today Top 25 on Sunday when the weekly polls were announced. It had been more than 11 years since CSU last was ranked, and this marks just the ninth season in 111 years of football in which the Rams have cracked the Top 25.
“As I’ve said all along, it’s pretty cool that people are taking note of the good things happening at Colorado State University,” third-year coach Jim McElwain said. “This is just another step in the climb, and I just can’t tell you how proud I am of this team. We have a long way to go, but I’m happy for our fans, for this university and the people in the state of Colorado.”
A long time coming
The last time CSU was ranked, Sonny Lubick was the coach, Bradlee Van Pelt was the quarterback and Albert Yates was the University’s president. Since that time the Rams have gone through numerous quarterbacks, played more than 140 games and graduated more than 70,000 students.
To finally get recognized, the Rams had to win eight consecutive games – the fourth-longest winning streak in the country – knock off two teams from Power 5 conferences and prove their mettle with several pulsating finishes.
Rams roll Hawaii
The Rams didn’t need a big finish against Hawaii. Quarterback Garrett Grayson passed for 278 yards and four touchdowns as the Rams won for the 15th time in their past 18 games. Grayson now owns CSU’s single-season record for touchdown passes with 26, and he became the first CSU quarterback to throw four or more touchdown passes three times in a career.
Junior running back Dee Hart also played a significant role, gaining 115 yards and scoring a touchdown, while fellow running back Treyous Jerrells added a pair of touchdowns.
Bye week, then home finale
The Rams are off this week before closing out their home schedule with an 11:30 a.m. game Nov. 22 against New Mexico. Tickets are available online or by phone (970-491-7267) for the Senior Day game. The Rams, who are assured of playing in a bowl game, close the regular season Nov. 28 at Air Force.
