dragondawg
07-05-2007, 03:00 AM
Denver Nuggets
History
Denver has a career 1,162-1,348 record in the NBA. Their 4 consecutive winning seasons dating back to 2003 is the longest streak dating back to Denver’s ABA days. Come playoffs, the Nuggets have never advanced past the conference finals in two appearances, and have been eliminated without a series victory in 12 of their 18 appearances. The career 43-75 playoff record is poor, at best.
2.4/5
Current State
2004 record – 49-33; Loss in 1st Round
2005 record – 44-38; Loss in 1st Round
2006 record – 45-37; Loss in 1st Round
Total: 138-108 (.561)
The Nuggets have played considerably better than their career record these past few years, including a division title in 2005. However, the three playoff appearances have led to three 4-1 losses in the first round, albeit twice to the eventual champion Spurs.
2.8/5
Draft History
Judging by their draft history, it’s amazing that the Nuggets have succeeded at all. From their first NBA draft in 1977, it took until 1991 to draft a player that seemingly had any impact in the NBA – the doleful list includes Rod Griffin, James Ray, Carl Nicks, Howard Carter, Blair Rasmussen, and Todd Lichti. Dikembe Mutombo (1991) is perhaps their best draft pick that has contributed to the Nuggets’ franchise, though Carmelo Anthony should easily pass him – Brent Barry, Jameer Nelson, and Jarrett Jack were all picks who were traded on draft day.
1.2/5
Average Score: 2.13
Personal Bias
The Nuggets have nice away uniforms (they remind me of the Chargers’ powder blues), and are certainly an improvement over the mid-90s uniforms that remind me of the intro to Frasier (see them here). They also score bonus for trading for Allen Iverson.
+0.15
ADJUSTED SCORE: 2.28
Colorado Rockies
History
Having entered the league not long ago, the Rockies have 1,021 victories in 14 professional baseball seasons. They’ve never won the NL West, and have made only a single playoff appearances (in 1995), as the wildcard, losing to the Braves 3-1. 4 of their 14 seasons have yielded winning records, the last being in 2000. Because of their consistent losing records, they haven’t finished better than 4th in their division in nine years. What hurts them most is that their franchise sister, the Florida Marlins, despite similar win-loss records, has 2 World Series titles.
2.2/5
Current State
2004 record – 68-94; 4th in NL West
2005 record – 67-95; Last in NL West
2006 record – 76-86; T-4th in NL West
Total: 211-275 (.434)
These three seasons are fairly indicate of this millennium for the Rockies – whether or not it’s the altitude or Coors Field that keeps them from being competitive, their struggles are leading to poor attendance in 2004 and 2005 (14th, and 13th out of 16 in the NL, respectively). At the very least, 76 wins in 2006 was an improvement.
2.2/5
Farm System
AAA Colorado Springs Sky Sox: Last year, the Sky Sox struggled as heavily as their major league counterparts, finishing at 66-77, and last in the Pacific Conference’s Northern Division. This year, however, they currently sit at nine games over .500, and in 1st place by 1.5 games.
3/5
Average Score: 2.47
Personal Bias
Coors Field is one of the nicer stadiums in baseball, probably because it’s still relatively new, but I like the rock garden in center field. At the very least, if the team stinks, the fans out there can watch something grow.
+0.05
ADJUSTED SCORE: 2.52
Denver Broncos
History
Judging exclusively by NFL records, Denver’s .590 winning percentage (332-220-6) ranks 2nd all-time. Combined with their AFL record, Denver’s winning percentage slips to .531. Denver’s six all-time Super Bowl appearances rank in a tie for second most. In addition to 10 AFC West titles, the Broncos have finished 2nd 13 times.
4.2/5
Current State
2004 record – 10-6; Loss in AFC Wild Card
2005 record – 13-3; Loss in AFC Championship
2006 record – 9-7
Total: 32-16 (.667)
The record is impressive, but how much better would it look if it weren’t for a Joe Nedney field goal last year? Nevertheless, I’m impressed with a team that can finish above .500 in three consecutive seasons in the AFC.
3.5/5
Draft History
Oddly enough, the Broncos have yet to draft a Hall-of-Famer. Willie Brown, though he began his career with the Broncos, was cut by the Oilers and played four seasons in Denver. John Elway was the most famous draft holdout after being selected by the Baltimore Colts. You’d have to assume that will change in a few years with Shannon Sharpe, who could also be considered one of the greatest draft steals (1990, 7th Rd, Pick #192). Terrell Davis (1995, 6th Rd) and Tom Nalen (1997, 7th Rd) highlight some of their other draft steals. Recent picks Trevor Pryce, Al Wilson, Deltha O’Neal, and Clinton Portis have enjoyed Pro Bowl careers.
2.5/5
Average Score: 3.73
Personal Bias
The most impressive thing to me about Denver is their consistent success with the zone blocking scheme. Using linemen that are considered small by today’s standards, they continue to churn out successful running backs. It’s almost a wonder with that type of running success that quarterbacks after John Elway haven’t done better (though Plummer’s 71/47 TD/INT ratio is strong). That’ll probably all change with Jay Cutler.
+0.20
ADJUSTED SCORE: 3.93
Colorado Buffaloes Football
History
Through 2006, the Buffaloes all-time record is 652-412-36, ranking them 16th on the all-time win list, and 22nd in win-percentage. They claim 26 conference championships, though only one since 1992, and five since the end of the Second World War. They have one national championship (1990), and 12 victories in 27 appearances, including six straight bowl wins from 1993 to 1999.
3.2/5
Current State
2004 record – 8-5 (4-4 Big XII); 33-28 W in Houston Bowl (vs. UTEP)
2005 record – 7-6 (5-4 Big XII); 19-10 L in Champs Sports Bowl (vs. Clemson)
2006 record – 2-10 (2-6 Big XII)
Total: 17-21 (.447), 11-14 Big XII (.440)
It wouldn’t look nearly as bad if not for last season, but it’s hard to fathom they could go 2-10 (which includes a loss at 1-AA Montana State), in a year that they manage to avoid Texas and Texas A&M in Big XII play. I wonder how much of a lull they felt after being destroyed 70-3 by Texas in the 2005 Big XII Conference Championship on national television.
2.2/5
Alumni
No Hall-of-Famers have come from Buffalo and perhaps their greatest collegiate success, Rashaan Salaam, is considered an all-time NFL bust. Their alumni that have gone on to better things than Salaam include Daniel Graham, Chad Brown, Kordell Stewart, Michael Lewis, and Tom Ashworth.
Bonus: Chris Brown, HB, Tennessee Titans
2.1/5
Average Score: 2.50
Personal Bias
Colorado has been found in the news most often for the rape scandal over their former female kicker, which doesn’t say a whole lot for its program’s recent success.
+/- 0
ADJUSTED SCORE: 2.50
Colorado Buffaloes Basketball
History
The Buffaloes have competed in organized basketball for 105 seasons, winning 1,092 games in that span. They’ve won five conference championships, and have made ten NCAA tournament appearances, with a 9-12 record, and one appearance in the Final Four (1955).
2.4/5
Current State
2004 record – 14-16 (4-12 Big XII)
2005 record – 20-10 (9-7 Big XII)
2006 record – 7-20 (3-13 Big XII)
Total: 41-46 (.423), 16-32 Big XII (.333)
It wasn’t much of a season for Colorado sports last year - From a conference championship game and a 20-win season to a combined 9 wins. Jeff Bzdelik did great things for Air Force, but it’ll take a miracle, or at the very least another Big XII scandal, to get this team back to the NCAA Tournament.
2/5
Alumni
Chauncey Billups appears to be their most famous NBA player, though David Harrison was a contributor in his first two NBA seasons, and Matt Bullard and Jay Humphries enjoyed 10-year careers.
1.5/5
Average Score: 1.97
Personal Bias
Colorado hasn’t made much of a splash in recent years, so I don’t have a tremendous amount of bias for or against them.
+/- 0
ADJUSTED SCORE: 1.97
Air Force Falcons Football
History
In 52 seasons, the Falcons have 303 wins, and a .537 winning percentage. They joined the WAC in 1980, and compiled an 85-52-1 conference record before moving to the MWC in 1999. They claimed their only two shared conference championships as a member of the WAC – in 1985, and 1995. They’ve made 17 bowl appearances, winning 8 of them.
2.5/5
Current State
2004 record – 5-6 (3-4 MWC)
2005 record – 4-7 (3-5 MWC)
2006 record – 4-8 (3-4 MWC)
Total: 13-21 (.382), 9-13 MWC (.409)
It’s been a struggle for Air Force, who finished above .500 every year from 1994 to 2003. It may be small comfort, but Air Force has regained control of the Ram-Falcon Trophy after a one-year hiatus.
1.9/5
Alumni
Because Air Force cadets are required to serve their country upon graduation, it makes creating NFL prospects basically impossible. They do have Bryce Fisher, however.
N/A
Average Score: 2.20
Personal Bias
I have never really been a fan of the option offense, even if they consistently produce top-10 rushing offenses. I can only imagine that Navy/Air Force games are basically unwatchable to casual football fans.
+/- 0
ADJUSTED SCORE: 2.20
Air Force Falcons Basketball
History
Since 1956, Air Force has a 594-747 career record, for a .443 winning percentage. Things were even worse for Air Force as a member of the WAC, where they never won more than 6 games in conference. They’ve made 4 NCAA Tournament appearances without a victory, and hadn’t won more than 20 games in a season until 2003.
1.5/5
Current State
2004 record – 18-15 (9-5 MWC)
2005 record – 24-7 (12-4 MWC); 1st Round
2006 record – 26-9 (10-6 MWC)
Total: 68-31 (.687), 31-15 MWC (.674)
Easily their best three-year stretch of the program, and a real solid stretch for most programs. Being in the MWC hurts them somewhat, because an average of 23 wins over the last three seasons would be good enough to get three NCAA Tournament berths in a major conference. Nevertheless, Bzdelik has found success with the Princeton offense.
3.5/5
Alumni
Because Air Force cadets are required to serve their country upon graduation, it makes creating NBA prospects basically impossible.
N/A
Average Score: 2.50
Personal Bias
Out of fear of drawing the ire of the American Air Force, I can’t give them a negative score. Out of pure humour, I’ll bump the score up slightly because the name Nwaelele makes me laugh. I wish I could hear Charles Barkley try to pronounce that.
Ernie Johnson: Charles, what do you think about this kid out of the Air Force Academy?
Charles Barkley: Who, Ukelele? I hope he plays music better than basketball, maybe then he'll make the team band or something..
+0.15
ADJUSTED SCORE: 2.65
Colorado State Rams Football
History
Colorado State has a 458-495-33 career record, which ranks them 72nd on http://www.cfrc.com/. Since becoming part of the Mountain West, Colorado State has two outright conference championships (2000, 2002), and one shared (1999). Through 2005, in MWC play, they had a .667 winning percentage (34-17), the highest percentage of all charter MWC members. The Rams have made 11 bowl appearances, with four victories.
2.6/5
Current State
2004 record – 4-7 (3-4 MWC)
2005 record – 6-6 (5-3 MWC); 51-30 L in Poinsettia Bowl (vs. Navy)
2006 record – 4-8 (1-7 MWC)
Total: 14-21 (.400), 9-14 MWC (.391)
Things were going well for Colorado State, but they aren’t anymore. They got a win over 1-AA Weber State, and equally bad Colorado last year, before losing 7 consecutive games to end the season. Also, 2006 was the first time in at least five years that the Rams didn’t win either of their rivalry games (Air Force was mentioned above, the other is Wyoming).
2/5
Alumni
The Rams have former Lion Jack Christiansen as their lone Hall of Fame representative, and have Joey Porter and Clark Haggans, two of Pittsburgh’s linebackers on their 2006 Super Bowl team, as well as Tom Rouen and Brady Smith as current NFLers.
2/5
Average Score: 2.20
Personal Bias
In 2004 and 2005, Colorado State played a home and home against Minnesota, the college football program that I more or less follow (usually more when they’re good, and less when they aren’t). In those two years, Minnesota won both games, wins which helped Minnesota to bowl games. This may be one case when a team gets bonus points for losing.
+0.20
ADJUSTED SCORE: 2.40
Colorado State Rams Basketball
History
Colorado State has 103 years of college basketball experience, in which time they’ve piled up 1,058 wins to 1,082 losses. The Rams have 5 conference titles, 2 in the WAC, and none since joining the MWC. Perhaps Colorado State’s greatest run of success came in the late 1980s, which saw the Rams win their only 2 WAC titles while posting three consecutive 20-win campaigns. They’ve made 8 appearances in the NCAA tournament, reaching the Regional Semi-finals in 1969.
2.5/5
Current State
2004 record – 11-17 (3-11 MWC)
2005 record – 16-15 (4-12 MWC)
2006 record – 17-13 (6-10 MWC)
Total: 44-45 (.444), 13-33 MWC (.283)
This is another instance where I want to see who this team plays out of conference, because their non-conference record is 31-12 (.721) – that’s a massive difference. In 2006, they didn’t play a team out of conference that made the NCAA tournament; their strongest opponent was Kansas State. Among the cupcakes: Southern Colorado and Montana State (non D-1), Northern Colorado, North Dakota State, and Tennessee-Chattanooga.
1.8/5
Alumni
They have eight listed players, not including recent draft pick Jason Smith. The most recent is Milt Palacio, and only Dale Schlueter (1968-1977) had a career that spanned ten seasons. Here’s hoping for Mr. Smith’s, as well as the 76ers sake, that he has a better career than the rest of his fellow collegians. Their list is similar to San Jose State’s, which I gave a 0.6. Only the fact that Palacio was a serviceable Raptor gives them a higher score.
1/5
Average Score: 1.77
Personal Bias
No such luck for the Rams’ basketball that the Rams’ football team got – I can’t reward them for losing. I can’t penalize them for anything, either.
+/- 0
ADJUSTED SCORE: 1.77
Denver Nuggets: 2.28
Colorado Rockies: 2.52
Denver Broncos: 3.93
Colorado Buffaloes Football: 2.50
Colorado Buffaloes Basketball: 1.97
Air Force Falcons Football: 2.20
Air Force Falcons Basketball: 2.65
Colorado State Rams Football: 2.40
Colorado State Rams Basketball: 1.77
Total Score: 22.22 out of 45
COLORADO SCORE: 4.94
http://the-waiver-wire.blogspot.com/2007/07/ranking-states-colorado.html
History
Denver has a career 1,162-1,348 record in the NBA. Their 4 consecutive winning seasons dating back to 2003 is the longest streak dating back to Denver’s ABA days. Come playoffs, the Nuggets have never advanced past the conference finals in two appearances, and have been eliminated without a series victory in 12 of their 18 appearances. The career 43-75 playoff record is poor, at best.
2.4/5
Current State
2004 record – 49-33; Loss in 1st Round
2005 record – 44-38; Loss in 1st Round
2006 record – 45-37; Loss in 1st Round
Total: 138-108 (.561)
The Nuggets have played considerably better than their career record these past few years, including a division title in 2005. However, the three playoff appearances have led to three 4-1 losses in the first round, albeit twice to the eventual champion Spurs.
2.8/5
Draft History
Judging by their draft history, it’s amazing that the Nuggets have succeeded at all. From their first NBA draft in 1977, it took until 1991 to draft a player that seemingly had any impact in the NBA – the doleful list includes Rod Griffin, James Ray, Carl Nicks, Howard Carter, Blair Rasmussen, and Todd Lichti. Dikembe Mutombo (1991) is perhaps their best draft pick that has contributed to the Nuggets’ franchise, though Carmelo Anthony should easily pass him – Brent Barry, Jameer Nelson, and Jarrett Jack were all picks who were traded on draft day.
1.2/5
Average Score: 2.13
Personal Bias
The Nuggets have nice away uniforms (they remind me of the Chargers’ powder blues), and are certainly an improvement over the mid-90s uniforms that remind me of the intro to Frasier (see them here). They also score bonus for trading for Allen Iverson.
+0.15
ADJUSTED SCORE: 2.28
Colorado Rockies
History
Having entered the league not long ago, the Rockies have 1,021 victories in 14 professional baseball seasons. They’ve never won the NL West, and have made only a single playoff appearances (in 1995), as the wildcard, losing to the Braves 3-1. 4 of their 14 seasons have yielded winning records, the last being in 2000. Because of their consistent losing records, they haven’t finished better than 4th in their division in nine years. What hurts them most is that their franchise sister, the Florida Marlins, despite similar win-loss records, has 2 World Series titles.
2.2/5
Current State
2004 record – 68-94; 4th in NL West
2005 record – 67-95; Last in NL West
2006 record – 76-86; T-4th in NL West
Total: 211-275 (.434)
These three seasons are fairly indicate of this millennium for the Rockies – whether or not it’s the altitude or Coors Field that keeps them from being competitive, their struggles are leading to poor attendance in 2004 and 2005 (14th, and 13th out of 16 in the NL, respectively). At the very least, 76 wins in 2006 was an improvement.
2.2/5
Farm System
AAA Colorado Springs Sky Sox: Last year, the Sky Sox struggled as heavily as their major league counterparts, finishing at 66-77, and last in the Pacific Conference’s Northern Division. This year, however, they currently sit at nine games over .500, and in 1st place by 1.5 games.
3/5
Average Score: 2.47
Personal Bias
Coors Field is one of the nicer stadiums in baseball, probably because it’s still relatively new, but I like the rock garden in center field. At the very least, if the team stinks, the fans out there can watch something grow.
+0.05
ADJUSTED SCORE: 2.52
Denver Broncos
History
Judging exclusively by NFL records, Denver’s .590 winning percentage (332-220-6) ranks 2nd all-time. Combined with their AFL record, Denver’s winning percentage slips to .531. Denver’s six all-time Super Bowl appearances rank in a tie for second most. In addition to 10 AFC West titles, the Broncos have finished 2nd 13 times.
4.2/5
Current State
2004 record – 10-6; Loss in AFC Wild Card
2005 record – 13-3; Loss in AFC Championship
2006 record – 9-7
Total: 32-16 (.667)
The record is impressive, but how much better would it look if it weren’t for a Joe Nedney field goal last year? Nevertheless, I’m impressed with a team that can finish above .500 in three consecutive seasons in the AFC.
3.5/5
Draft History
Oddly enough, the Broncos have yet to draft a Hall-of-Famer. Willie Brown, though he began his career with the Broncos, was cut by the Oilers and played four seasons in Denver. John Elway was the most famous draft holdout after being selected by the Baltimore Colts. You’d have to assume that will change in a few years with Shannon Sharpe, who could also be considered one of the greatest draft steals (1990, 7th Rd, Pick #192). Terrell Davis (1995, 6th Rd) and Tom Nalen (1997, 7th Rd) highlight some of their other draft steals. Recent picks Trevor Pryce, Al Wilson, Deltha O’Neal, and Clinton Portis have enjoyed Pro Bowl careers.
2.5/5
Average Score: 3.73
Personal Bias
The most impressive thing to me about Denver is their consistent success with the zone blocking scheme. Using linemen that are considered small by today’s standards, they continue to churn out successful running backs. It’s almost a wonder with that type of running success that quarterbacks after John Elway haven’t done better (though Plummer’s 71/47 TD/INT ratio is strong). That’ll probably all change with Jay Cutler.
+0.20
ADJUSTED SCORE: 3.93
Colorado Buffaloes Football
History
Through 2006, the Buffaloes all-time record is 652-412-36, ranking them 16th on the all-time win list, and 22nd in win-percentage. They claim 26 conference championships, though only one since 1992, and five since the end of the Second World War. They have one national championship (1990), and 12 victories in 27 appearances, including six straight bowl wins from 1993 to 1999.
3.2/5
Current State
2004 record – 8-5 (4-4 Big XII); 33-28 W in Houston Bowl (vs. UTEP)
2005 record – 7-6 (5-4 Big XII); 19-10 L in Champs Sports Bowl (vs. Clemson)
2006 record – 2-10 (2-6 Big XII)
Total: 17-21 (.447), 11-14 Big XII (.440)
It wouldn’t look nearly as bad if not for last season, but it’s hard to fathom they could go 2-10 (which includes a loss at 1-AA Montana State), in a year that they manage to avoid Texas and Texas A&M in Big XII play. I wonder how much of a lull they felt after being destroyed 70-3 by Texas in the 2005 Big XII Conference Championship on national television.
2.2/5
Alumni
No Hall-of-Famers have come from Buffalo and perhaps their greatest collegiate success, Rashaan Salaam, is considered an all-time NFL bust. Their alumni that have gone on to better things than Salaam include Daniel Graham, Chad Brown, Kordell Stewart, Michael Lewis, and Tom Ashworth.
Bonus: Chris Brown, HB, Tennessee Titans
2.1/5
Average Score: 2.50
Personal Bias
Colorado has been found in the news most often for the rape scandal over their former female kicker, which doesn’t say a whole lot for its program’s recent success.
+/- 0
ADJUSTED SCORE: 2.50
Colorado Buffaloes Basketball
History
The Buffaloes have competed in organized basketball for 105 seasons, winning 1,092 games in that span. They’ve won five conference championships, and have made ten NCAA tournament appearances, with a 9-12 record, and one appearance in the Final Four (1955).
2.4/5
Current State
2004 record – 14-16 (4-12 Big XII)
2005 record – 20-10 (9-7 Big XII)
2006 record – 7-20 (3-13 Big XII)
Total: 41-46 (.423), 16-32 Big XII (.333)
It wasn’t much of a season for Colorado sports last year - From a conference championship game and a 20-win season to a combined 9 wins. Jeff Bzdelik did great things for Air Force, but it’ll take a miracle, or at the very least another Big XII scandal, to get this team back to the NCAA Tournament.
2/5
Alumni
Chauncey Billups appears to be their most famous NBA player, though David Harrison was a contributor in his first two NBA seasons, and Matt Bullard and Jay Humphries enjoyed 10-year careers.
1.5/5
Average Score: 1.97
Personal Bias
Colorado hasn’t made much of a splash in recent years, so I don’t have a tremendous amount of bias for or against them.
+/- 0
ADJUSTED SCORE: 1.97
Air Force Falcons Football
History
In 52 seasons, the Falcons have 303 wins, and a .537 winning percentage. They joined the WAC in 1980, and compiled an 85-52-1 conference record before moving to the MWC in 1999. They claimed their only two shared conference championships as a member of the WAC – in 1985, and 1995. They’ve made 17 bowl appearances, winning 8 of them.
2.5/5
Current State
2004 record – 5-6 (3-4 MWC)
2005 record – 4-7 (3-5 MWC)
2006 record – 4-8 (3-4 MWC)
Total: 13-21 (.382), 9-13 MWC (.409)
It’s been a struggle for Air Force, who finished above .500 every year from 1994 to 2003. It may be small comfort, but Air Force has regained control of the Ram-Falcon Trophy after a one-year hiatus.
1.9/5
Alumni
Because Air Force cadets are required to serve their country upon graduation, it makes creating NFL prospects basically impossible. They do have Bryce Fisher, however.
N/A
Average Score: 2.20
Personal Bias
I have never really been a fan of the option offense, even if they consistently produce top-10 rushing offenses. I can only imagine that Navy/Air Force games are basically unwatchable to casual football fans.
+/- 0
ADJUSTED SCORE: 2.20
Air Force Falcons Basketball
History
Since 1956, Air Force has a 594-747 career record, for a .443 winning percentage. Things were even worse for Air Force as a member of the WAC, where they never won more than 6 games in conference. They’ve made 4 NCAA Tournament appearances without a victory, and hadn’t won more than 20 games in a season until 2003.
1.5/5
Current State
2004 record – 18-15 (9-5 MWC)
2005 record – 24-7 (12-4 MWC); 1st Round
2006 record – 26-9 (10-6 MWC)
Total: 68-31 (.687), 31-15 MWC (.674)
Easily their best three-year stretch of the program, and a real solid stretch for most programs. Being in the MWC hurts them somewhat, because an average of 23 wins over the last three seasons would be good enough to get three NCAA Tournament berths in a major conference. Nevertheless, Bzdelik has found success with the Princeton offense.
3.5/5
Alumni
Because Air Force cadets are required to serve their country upon graduation, it makes creating NBA prospects basically impossible.
N/A
Average Score: 2.50
Personal Bias
Out of fear of drawing the ire of the American Air Force, I can’t give them a negative score. Out of pure humour, I’ll bump the score up slightly because the name Nwaelele makes me laugh. I wish I could hear Charles Barkley try to pronounce that.
Ernie Johnson: Charles, what do you think about this kid out of the Air Force Academy?
Charles Barkley: Who, Ukelele? I hope he plays music better than basketball, maybe then he'll make the team band or something..
+0.15
ADJUSTED SCORE: 2.65
Colorado State Rams Football
History
Colorado State has a 458-495-33 career record, which ranks them 72nd on http://www.cfrc.com/. Since becoming part of the Mountain West, Colorado State has two outright conference championships (2000, 2002), and one shared (1999). Through 2005, in MWC play, they had a .667 winning percentage (34-17), the highest percentage of all charter MWC members. The Rams have made 11 bowl appearances, with four victories.
2.6/5
Current State
2004 record – 4-7 (3-4 MWC)
2005 record – 6-6 (5-3 MWC); 51-30 L in Poinsettia Bowl (vs. Navy)
2006 record – 4-8 (1-7 MWC)
Total: 14-21 (.400), 9-14 MWC (.391)
Things were going well for Colorado State, but they aren’t anymore. They got a win over 1-AA Weber State, and equally bad Colorado last year, before losing 7 consecutive games to end the season. Also, 2006 was the first time in at least five years that the Rams didn’t win either of their rivalry games (Air Force was mentioned above, the other is Wyoming).
2/5
Alumni
The Rams have former Lion Jack Christiansen as their lone Hall of Fame representative, and have Joey Porter and Clark Haggans, two of Pittsburgh’s linebackers on their 2006 Super Bowl team, as well as Tom Rouen and Brady Smith as current NFLers.
2/5
Average Score: 2.20
Personal Bias
In 2004 and 2005, Colorado State played a home and home against Minnesota, the college football program that I more or less follow (usually more when they’re good, and less when they aren’t). In those two years, Minnesota won both games, wins which helped Minnesota to bowl games. This may be one case when a team gets bonus points for losing.
+0.20
ADJUSTED SCORE: 2.40
Colorado State Rams Basketball
History
Colorado State has 103 years of college basketball experience, in which time they’ve piled up 1,058 wins to 1,082 losses. The Rams have 5 conference titles, 2 in the WAC, and none since joining the MWC. Perhaps Colorado State’s greatest run of success came in the late 1980s, which saw the Rams win their only 2 WAC titles while posting three consecutive 20-win campaigns. They’ve made 8 appearances in the NCAA tournament, reaching the Regional Semi-finals in 1969.
2.5/5
Current State
2004 record – 11-17 (3-11 MWC)
2005 record – 16-15 (4-12 MWC)
2006 record – 17-13 (6-10 MWC)
Total: 44-45 (.444), 13-33 MWC (.283)
This is another instance where I want to see who this team plays out of conference, because their non-conference record is 31-12 (.721) – that’s a massive difference. In 2006, they didn’t play a team out of conference that made the NCAA tournament; their strongest opponent was Kansas State. Among the cupcakes: Southern Colorado and Montana State (non D-1), Northern Colorado, North Dakota State, and Tennessee-Chattanooga.
1.8/5
Alumni
They have eight listed players, not including recent draft pick Jason Smith. The most recent is Milt Palacio, and only Dale Schlueter (1968-1977) had a career that spanned ten seasons. Here’s hoping for Mr. Smith’s, as well as the 76ers sake, that he has a better career than the rest of his fellow collegians. Their list is similar to San Jose State’s, which I gave a 0.6. Only the fact that Palacio was a serviceable Raptor gives them a higher score.
1/5
Average Score: 1.77
Personal Bias
No such luck for the Rams’ basketball that the Rams’ football team got – I can’t reward them for losing. I can’t penalize them for anything, either.
+/- 0
ADJUSTED SCORE: 1.77
Denver Nuggets: 2.28
Colorado Rockies: 2.52
Denver Broncos: 3.93
Colorado Buffaloes Football: 2.50
Colorado Buffaloes Basketball: 1.97
Air Force Falcons Football: 2.20
Air Force Falcons Basketball: 2.65
Colorado State Rams Football: 2.40
Colorado State Rams Basketball: 1.77
Total Score: 22.22 out of 45
COLORADO SCORE: 4.94
http://the-waiver-wire.blogspot.com/2007/07/ranking-states-colorado.html