The climb into the Top 25 for CSU’s football team will require some more steps.

The Rams (8-1, 4-1 Mountain West) stretched their winning streak to seven games Saturday with a 38-31 win at San Jose State. Running back Dee Hart scored four touchdowns and quarterback Garrett Grayson passed for 290 yards and a touchdown as the Rams won in San Jose State’s Spartan Stadium for the first time since 1997.

“I’m just really proud of our guys,” coach Jim McElwain said. “Obviously, there are some things we need to work on. We’re a long ways from where we need to be but sometimes when you’re winning you just have to find a way to win some games.”

‘We’re No. 26!’

The Rams had been hoping the win would vault them in the Top 25. But despite being one of just 16 teams nationally with no more than one loss, the Rams returned Sunday to discover their goal of being ranked for the first time since 2003 will have to wait at least another week.

The Rams are one spot outside the Associated Press Top 25 and two spots outside the USA Today Top 25.

Stretch run begins Saturday

The good news for the Rams is they still have three games – two at home – to make their case with voters. The home stretch begins at 5 p.m. Saturday when CSU hosts Mountain West foe Hawaii.

Tickets are available online, in person at the McGraw Athletic Center ticket office or by calling (970) 491-7267. Students with ID can pick up their free tickets at the McGraw Athletic Center ticket office.