Dec. 20, 2000

By Tony Phifer
The Coloradoan

FORT COLLINS, Colo. - Colorado State University's first injury leading up to the Liberty Bowl didn't even take place on the football field.

Senior defensive tackle Jamie Bennett suffered what is believed to be a fractured right thumb Tuesday while unloading boxes from a car. The injury won't keep him out of the Dec. 29 game against Louisville, but it could hamper his ability to make plays.

Bennett, one of the team's emotional leaders, suffered a similar injury two years ago to his left thumb. He was able to continue playing with a cast on his hand and said he would do something similar this time.

"Can you believe it?" Bennett said. "The last time I did this it was called a 'Bennett's' fracture, and I did the same thing again. I guess there's just something about that Bennett name."

CSU coach Sonny Lubick said he doesn't expect the injury to have much of an effect on Bennett's play.

"He's a tough guy," he said. "Jamie has always been one of the those guys who fights through pain and other obstacles. It would be nice to have him at 100 percent, though."

Bennett, a two-year starter, finished the season with 42 tackles - seven of them for lost yardage - and four sacks. A four-time academic all-conference player, he also forced two fumbles.

Despite Bennett's injury, Lubick was pleased with the Rams' practice. They took advantage of warm weather and - finally - calm winds during a 90-minute workout that continued to emphasize the offensive and defensive schemes utilized by Louisville.

"We got a lot done today," said Lubick, who had expressed concern Monday that the Rams were behind schedule. "If we get two more practices like that in the next couple of days, we'll be in good shape."

The Rams will practice today through Saturday before departing Christmas Eve for Memphis, Tenn.