by Daniel S. Archuleta
Daily Lobo
Head coach Rocky Long said no matter the night of the week, games against the Colorado State Rams are always tough.
"Whenever we play Colorado State, it's very intense, whether it's on Friday night, Monday night or Saturday night," Long said.
The last time the two teams met in Albuquerque the game was televised by ESPN2. Wes Zunker nailed a 33-yard field goal at the end of the game to give the Lobos a 37-34 victory.
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This year, the stage is set for DonTrell Moore to shine in the limelight. Moore is only 32 yards from becoming the sixth player in NCAA history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in four consecutive seasons.
Moore, who is ninth in the nation with 968 rushing yards, said the accomplishment is not just his.
"I think it will be exciting," he said. "I think that it will be more exciting for the offensive line, because they enjoy that stuff too."
Moore's 162-yard performance against San Diego State University last week helped place him 26th on the all-time NCAA rushing list.
Another plus for Moore and the offensive line is that the Rams' defense ranks last in the league, and Moore has averaged 192.3 yards per game over three games against the Rams.
Long said he doesn't know why Moore has so much success against the Rams.
"I don't have any idea," he said. "DonTrell's a very good running back, and if the offensive line gives him a crack or two, he can make people miss. I think that's what has happened the last couple of years."
What the Rams lack on defense, they more then make up for on offense.
Rams quarterback Justin Holland is first in the MWC in passing efficiency and has thrown for 1,969 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Rams running back Kyle Bell is second in the conference with 763 yards rushing and five touchdowns.
The Lobos will also have the task of stopping Colorado State wide receiver David Anderson, who has 48 receptions for 693 yards and six touchdowns.
Lobo cornerback Michael Powdrell, who got his first career start against San Diego State University last week and has three interceptions in two games, said just one person will not be able to stop Anderson.
"It's going to take a core job by everyone in the secondary," Powdrell said. "He's really good, and he's got moves. We're going to have to have really good eyes in the secondary."
