The Rocky Mountain Collegian

Issue date: 10/6/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Brandon Iwamoto Defensive end Wade Landers (93) celebrates the team's victory over the UNLV Rebels Saturday. The Rams counted this as their first conference win and the 41-28 game put their season record at 3-2.

It's amazing the difference a week can make. Seven days removed from scoring only seven points in a loss, the CSU football team took a huge step forward this weekend, and has an undefeated conference record to show for it.

CSU (3-2, 1-0 MWC) defeated the UNLV (3-3, 0-2 MWC) Rebels in front of a crowd of 19,000 at Hughes Stadium, thanks in large part to Ram's best offensive performance in the past 11 months.

With 238 yards rushing and 294 yards through the air, CSU played its most balanced offensive game of the season.

Running back Gartrell Johnson and receiver Rashaun Greer had career days, propelling the Rams to a 41-28 victory, combining for 423 yards of total offense between them.

Johnson shined for the Rams, busting out for 191 yards rushing with three touchdowns, including the game-winner with nine seconds left in the fourth quarter.

Johnson's performance impressed CSU head coach Steve Fairchild.

"He took control and just hammered it up in there," the first-year head coach said. "Safeties and linebackers don't want to keep coming at him when you're a warrior like he is. I was just impressed with him, not just by the last drive, but all day long."

Quarterback Billy Farris attributes the Rams' offensive success to confidence, explaining that it carried the team to a comeback win.

"Throughout the game we were moving the ball up and down the field," the senior said. "Everybody was confident and knew we could do it. When we would hit a pass play or Gartrell (Johnson) would run it up and knock somebody back, our team saw it. The confidence and excitement just goes through the roof."

Safety Klint Kubiak gave the offense credit for picking up the defense, especially after giving up a go-ahead touchdown to UNLV with six minutes left in the fourth quarter.

Trailing 28-27, Farris lead a 12-play, 80-yard scoring drive that would give the Rams the lead and with only eight seconds left on the clock.

Continued...

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