| The Colorado State Rams had just 12 starters | | | | left tackle Paul Madsen. A lot will ride one how well |
| back for the 2009 season, and they watched | | | | the new starters can step in and perform, cause |
| their win record go from 7-6 to just 3-9. This | | | | if this unit doesn't perform the Rams will be in for |
| year they enter into the third season under head | | | | a very long season on this side of the ball. |
| coach Steve Fairchild, who has his work cut out | | | | Defense: |
| for him, as the Rams return only 12 starters | | | | The Rams will have eight starters back on |
| again this season. To get you up to date on the | | | | defense this season, so there is plenty of reason |
| upcoming season, here is a quick breakdown of | | | | to believe that they will play better on this side of |
| what the Rams will send to the field on both sides | | | | the ball. The key will be the play of the front four. |
| of the ball, plus my thoughts on where they will | | | | The Rams have three starters back including one |
| finish up the season in the MWC. | | | | of the top defensive tackles in the conference in |
| Offense: | | | | senior Guy Miller and a solid defensive end in |
| The Rams have just four starters back on the | | | | senior Cory Macon. The Rams are going to need |
| offensive side of the ball, so it's very likely that | | | | sophomore defensive end Zach Tiedgen to really |
| they will see another drop off in production this | | | | step up his game this season, as he produced |
| season. Heading into the fall it looks as though the | | | | just one sack in seven starts last year. |
| Rams will go with freshman Pete Thomas at | | | | If the Rams can get improved play upfront, they |
| quarterback, but the Rams also have another | | | | will feature one of the top front seven in the |
| young arm to work with in red-shirt freshman | | | | MWC this season, as they have a very solid and |
| Nico Ranien. Even though it looks as though the | | | | experienced group back at the three linebacker |
| Rams will have a freshman leading the way this | | | | spots. Junior weak-side linebacker Mychal Sisson |
| season, I wouldn't be surprised to see better | | | | led the Rams with 91 tackles and six sacks last |
| numbers out of the quarterback position this year. | | | | season, and he is by far the best of this bunch. |
| At running back the Rams appear to be ready to | | | | In the secondary the Rams have just two |
| turn over the starting job to former UCLA | | | | starters returning to a unit that gave up 236 |
| transfer Raymond Carter, but they will have | | | | yards a game. Junior free safety Elijah-Blu Smith |
| plenty of options at this position, as they return | | | | is one of the better safeties the MWC has to |
| 2009 starter Leonard Mason and top backup John | | | | offer, but he is going to need some help from the |
| Mosure. | | | | rest of this unit for the Rams to keep teams |
| At wide receiver the Rams will have to find a | | | | from throwing all over them again this season. |
| way to replace their top two threats from the | | | | MWC Prediction - 8th: Hard to really get excited |
| 2009 season, as the only returning starter on the | | | | about the upcoming season for the Rams, as |
| outside is senior wide out Tyson Ligget, who | | | | they are going to have a heck of a time putting |
| caught just 17 passes for 253 yards and three | | | | points on the board, and the defense isn't by any |
| touchdowns. The Rams also bring back senior | | | | means good enough to win them games. They |
| starting tight end Eric Peitz. The Rams are | | | | will likely be in a battle with UNLV and New Mexico |
| expected to add junior TJ Borcky and red-shirt | | | | for the final spot, but other than that the winnable |
| freshman Wrnon Scott into the starting lineup at | | | | games are hard to find in conference play. |
| the other two receiver spots. | | | | For a complete look at how the MWC will play out |
| The offensive line is a huge concern for the Rams | | | | this season, check out our 2010 MWC predictions. |
| this season, as they have to replace four | | | | If you are planning on betting the college football |
| different spots before the season gets underway. | | | | odds this season, be sure to check back |
| The only starter that returns up front is junior | | | | frequently for our expert college football picks. |
