News: Tomorrow when Colorado State announces their new head coach, it is expected to be Alabama offensive coordinator Jim McElwain.
Analysis: McElwain is familiar with the area as he coached at Fresno State before heading to Tuscaloosa. McElwain inherits a talented quarterback in Pete Thomas and a workhorse back in Chris Nwoke so he should be able to do some work on offense.
News: Colorado State has fired head coach Steve Fairchild after three straight 3-9 seasons.
Analysis: Fairchild brought in some good recruits (namely Pete Thomas) but just could not seem to do much with them, so now it is time for the Rams to move on.
News: Colorado State quarterback Garrett Grayson, filling in for Pete Thomas, struggled all day long against Air Force. He hit on 8-of-13 for 125 yards, a score and a pick.
Analysis: The Rams didn't exactly embrace a passing game with Grayson in control, preferring to use the running game.
News:Garrett Grayson was terrible in his debut as a starting quarterback for Colorado State. Filling in for Pete Thomas, Grayson threw for 248 yards and a score against TCU, then added a running element with 53 yards on eight totes.
Analysis: Grayson hit on 14-of-24 passes and showed an ability to make plays with his feet that Thomas perhaps doesn't possess. A tough game to make your starting debut, but despite the loss, Grayson held up just fine.
News: Colorado State freshman quarterback Garrett Grayson is going to get an opportunity to play. The question is how much and when. With starter Pete Thomas nursing a sprained knee, Grayson could conceivably start Saturday against TCU.
Analysis: Even if Thomas plays, coach Steve Fairchild has indicated that Grayson is going to play some in each game the rest of the way. Grayson has created some buzz in the Rams camp and there are those who'd like to see him get a chance. That chance could be a starting gig Saturday -- or simply some playing time the rest of the way.
News: Colorado State quarterback Pete Thomas left Saturday's game against San Diego State midway through the second quarter with a knee strain.
Analysis: Thomas did not return to the game and there was no word on the severity of the injury or the prognosis moving forward.
News: Colorado State quarterback Pete Thomas showed improved accuracy Saturday night, hitting 17-of-30 passes for 230 yards and a score. Thomas also tallied on a run for a second score.
Analysis: Unfortunately, Thomas didn't get the win as UNLV was able to hang on. Though not sparkling, Thomas was better than he has been and that's a good sign. We'll see if he can keep it up.
News: Colorado State quarterback Pete Thomas and the Rams coaching staff have been emphasizing fundamentals. After completing 70 percent of his passes through the season's first three games, Thomas' completion percentage has dropped tremendously during the current three-game losing streak.
Analysis: Thomas, it appears, is getting "happy feet" in the pocket, which is costing him accuracy on his throws. This week's work has been directed at that so that Thomas can become the accurate passer he appeared to be at the start of the season.
News: Colorado State was looking for improvement in quarterback Pete Thomas and its passing game. Thomas delivered with 387 yards passing and three scores in the loss to San Jose State Saturday. Thomas also rushed for 20 yards and a score.
Analysis: The fact that Thomas led the Rams with 20 rushing yards tells you that the passing game may not be the biggest problem. Still, Thomas and the passing game were called out a bit last week and, even though it's San Jose State, he responded.
News: Colorado State quarterback Pete Thomas and the rest of the passing game are in for some changes. The Rams, who are 79th in the nation in passing (204.3 ypg) have been plagued by a lack of big plays in the passing game. The coaching staff took a hard look at the passing game and has some personnel shifts planned -- but won't say what they are.
Analysis: Thomas said he and the offense have been frustrated by the team's lack of production and big plays so far this season. He said the passing game has clicked much better this week than in previous weeks and he was anxious to unveil the new feel this Saturday against Utah State.
News: Colorado State quarterback Pete Thomas was much like the Rams offense against Colorado -- inconsistent and low-producing. Thomas was 18-of-28 for 157 yards and no scores through the air -- though he did get a touchdown on the ground.
Analysis: Thomas struggled to get the offense rolling in the loss. He missed some receivers that were open and really didn't get anything going downfield other than a couple passes to tight end Crocket Gillmore. Thomas is making strides, but he still has some growing to do.
News: Colorado State quarterback Pete Thomas had some good moments in the win over Northern Colorado, but also some bad (three picks). Thomas threw for 259 yards and a score on 28-of-42 passing.
Analysis: Thomas shouldn't have had a big interception night against Northern Colorado, but it happened -- part of the maturation process he must go through. Let's hope he learns the lessons he needs and progresses positively this season. He has the tools, now he needs to stay away from silly mistakes.
News: New Mexico starting quarterback Tarean Austin got his 2011 off to a decent start despite the loss to Colorado State. Austin passed for 179 yards and one touchdowns (no interceptions) on 20-of-31 passing.
Analysis: Austin did a good job as the Lobos had more first downs (22-12)and yards (329 to 270), but turnovers doomed the effort. Austin is a reflection of a New Mexico team that has more talent than a year ago. Austin looked comfortable and outplayed his counterpart, Pete Thomas. A good start for Austin. We'll see how he progresses from here.
News: Colorado State fullback Joe Brown was integral to the Rams passing game Saturday, catching seven passes for 45 yards.
Analysis: Brown didn't get any carries in the rushing game, but he certainly was a big factor for quarterback Pete Thomas.
News: Colorado State's Crocket Gillmore has made the transition from defensive player to starting tight end. Gillmore was listed atop the tight end depth chart that coach Steve Fairchild released today.
Analysis: Gillmore is a big target with surprisingly good hands for a guy who was playing defense a few weeks ago. He'll be a nice asset for quarterback Pete Thomas to use.
News: Colorado State quarterback Pete Thomas looks like the improvement everyone's talking about is for real. Thomas was sharp Sunday, hitting on a bunch of nice passes, including a bullet between two defenders to Marquise Law, who had a good day, too.
Analysis: Thomas looks nothing like the wide-eyed freshman of a year ago. He's confident, has command of the offense and is making plays all over the field with his arm and good decision-making.
News: Crocket Gillmore is proving hard to cover for the Colorado State secondary. Gillmore made a couple more big-time catches Tuesday and simply wouldn't be covered.
Analysis: Gillmore is big, athletic and has surprisingly good hands. He's proven he can be an effective weapon and it's not lost on anyone that quarterback Pete Thomas looks his way a lot. Expect that to continue once the season begins.
News: Starting quarterback Pete Thomas had a productive scrimmage Saturday, hitting on 5-of-7 passes for 42 yards. His only incompletions were via a dropped pass and a deflection at the line.
Analysis: Thomas didn't put up big yardage numbers, but his ability to complete passes pleased coach Steve Fairchild. Indications continue to mount that after a freshman year spent taking his licks, Thomas is ready to dish a little out as a sophomore.
News: Colorado State coach Steve Fairchild said he's excited about the return and development of QB Pete Thomas, who took some lumps a year ago as a true freshman. Talking about his team at the MWC media day, Fairchild pointed to Thomas being the established guy, with a year under his belt, as moving the offense much farther ahead when camp opens up.
Analysis: Fairchild has high expectations for Thomas in his second season as a starter. With four offensive linemen returning and some receivers who can do damage, perhaps Fairchild is right to expect improvement this year. Thomas, to be sure, is expected to make a leap forward.
News: It is apparent that Colorado State head coach Steve Fairchild is doing all he can to shore up the defense after signing his second 2011-eligible linebacker this month. Cordarius Golston was a high school All-American who originally signed with Arizona but after redshirting his freshman year, wound up transferring to Kilgore College. Golston is 6'1, 215 pounds and runs a 4.58 40-yard dash.
Analysis: The Rams offense has some playmakers in Raymond Carter and Lou Greenwood surrounding budding star Pete Thomas at quarterback. With the extra attention being paid to the defense, Fairchild could have Colorado State bowl eligible this year.
News: The Colorado offensive line got a little thinner this week when senior center Mike Iltis announced he was leaving the team. Iltis has been rehabbing a surgery on his knee and decided it was time to move on.
Analysis: Whether he was a starting candidate is questionable, but he was certainly capable of getting into the mix if healthy. His time at Colorado, though, is now over it appears.
News: Thomas completed 16-of-33 passes for 90 yards and an interception as Colorado State was thrashed by Wyoming Saturday.
Analysis: Although he only produced a few outstanding games this season, the future appears to be bright for Thomas in Fort Collins.
Thomas Goes Over 300 Yards as Colorado State Loses Again
News: Thomas completed 29-of-42 passes for 301 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions as Colorado State lost to BYU Saturday.
Analysis: Thomas has put together back-to-back 300-yard passing games, but Colorado State is a much better team win the running attack is clicking. Thomas has little fantasy value at this point.
Thomas Throws For Over 200 Yards as Colorado State Falls
News: Thomas completed 22-of-40 passes for 266 yards with one touchdown and one interception as Colorado State fell to San Diego State late Saturday night.
Analysis: Thomas has had his moments during his freshman campaign, but has no fantasy value at this point.
News: The freshman Thomas completed 17-of-25 passes for 256 yards and a touchdown as Colorado State cruised over New Mexico.
Analysis: Thomas has had some nice games this season for the Rams, but he doesn't have great fantasy value.
News: Thomas completed 19-of-28 passes for 189 yards with an interception as Colorado State suffered a difficult loss to Utah Saturday.
Analysis: With his top two running backs out of action, Thomas never had much of a chance Saturday. He won't be a fantasy option for the remainder of the season.
News: Thomas attempted just 14 passes against UNLV Saturday, but finished with 233 yards and three touchdowns through the air as the Colorado State rolled to an easy win.
Analysis: Colorado State isn't known for having a big play offense, so Saturday's outburst was certainly a surprise. Thomas doesn't have any fantasy value yet, but he has produced some big games this season.
Colorado State's Thomas struggles against Air Force
News: The freshman Thomas completed 22-of-35 passes for 136 yards with one touchdown and one interception as Colorado State fell to Air Force Saturday.
Analysis: Thomas didn't get the chance to work the ball downfield Saturday, limiting his production. The freshman completed just one pass for more than 20 yards in Colorado State's 49-27 loss to Air Force.
News: Thomas completed 17-of-29 passes for 116 yards in Colorado State's 27-0 loss to TCU Saturday.
Analysis: After Raymond Carter left with a knee injury, Thomas' chances of success went from bad to worse. The freshman spent the afternoon running from the TCU pass rush and was unable to make any big plays through the air.
Freshman Thomas Impressive Again as Colorado State Wins
News: Colorado State's Thomas threw for over 300 yards for a second-consecutive time Saturday, completing 29-of-37 passes for 387 yards with three touchdowns and one interception.
Analysis: Despite being sacked five times, Thomas helped Colorado State rally from a 17-0 deficit to beat Idaho.
Colorado State's Thomas Throws For Over 300 Yards in Loss
News: Thomas completed 26-of-40 passes for 305 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions as Colorado State suffered a loss to Miami of Ohio Saturday.
Analysis: Thomas notched his first career 300-yard game Saturday, providing the Rams with at least one reason to be optimistic going forward this season.
Freshman Thomas Struggles Again in Colorado State Loss
News: Thomas finished 23-of-36 for 194 yards with one interception as Nevada routed Colorado State Saturday.
Analysis: Thomas played the entire game and was never able to get anything going for the Rams' offense. He might be a fantasy option someday, but it probably won't be this season.
News: Thomas finished 24-of-33 for 196 yards and three interceptions in Colorado State's loss to rival Colorado Saturday.
Analysis: The Rams kept things short in the passing game Saturday, which could be a sign of things to come this season as Thomas experiences some growing pains.
News: Head coach of Colorado State Steve Fairchild announced Tuesday that Thomas will get the starting nod at quarterback when the Rams open against Colorado on September 4, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Thomas, a three-year starter at Valhalla High in California that threw for over 5,500 yards and 52 touchdowns, graduated high school in December of last year in order to enroll at CSU in January. He becomes the first true freshman to start at CSU since 2004, when Caleb Hanie took over for Justin Holland.
