Colorado State coach optimistic heading into UNLV game

Like UNLV, Colorado State is 1-5 and in desperate need of a victory, but Rams coach Steve Fairchild remains optimistic.

"I think we're going to be good," he said on Tuesday morning's Mountain West Conference teleconference. "I think it's time to stop talking about being young and inexperienced. We've had quite a few practices and games. We are who we are."

The Rams (0-2 in the MWC) host UNLV (1-5, 1-1) at 11 a.m. PDT Saturday.

Colorado State has struggled to run the ball, but running back Leonard Mason rushed for 139 yards in Saturday's 49-27 loss at Air Force. He has 175 yards rushing for the season, and the Rams as a team average 94.3 per game.

"I was real proud of Leonard," Fairchild said. "He obviously didn't have the first half of the season he'd like to have. He tweaked his hamstring and couldn't fully go the whole month of August. It was disappointing being his senior year, but he stayed focused, got in shape and when his time came responded."