Titans Hope to Relive Past Glory Against Colorado State

Cal State Fullerton will be trying to recreate a bit of glory from its 1984 season when it plays Colorado State today, and former Ohio State Coach Earle Bruce will be seeking his first victory as coach of the Rams.

Fullerton won the only previous meeting between these teams, 34-22, with a team led by quarterback Damon Allen that finished the 1984 season 11-1.

“We’ll take the same scoreboard this time,” Fullerton Coach Gene Murphy said after practicing at Hughes Stadium Friday.

Fullerton might have to play without leading receiver Rocky Palamara, who was ill Friday and missed practice. Palamara had 15 catches for 185 yards in the first two games.

Fullerton (1-1) lost to Northern Illinois in its opener, but last week defeated Cal State Northridge, a Division II team.

Colorado State, 0-2 after losses to nationally ranked Tennessee and Colorado, will be without starting quarterback Kevin Verdugo, who sprained his right shoulder in the second quarter last week. Mike Gimenez, who completed seven of 11 passes for 73 yards with one interception as Verdugo’s replacement, will start.

Running back Tony Alford leads the running attack with an 82.5-yard average.

Titan Notes

Fullerton Coach Gene Murphy says his team is excited about playing on the road, as opposed to in front of 2,000 in Santa Ana Stadium. “There’ll be 30,000 people in here Saturday,” he said. “That’s college football. That’s what our kids get excited about.” . . . Starting linebacker Russ Oleyer is questionable with a sore leg. If he is unable to play, Neb Sormaz will start instead, Murphy said. Tight end Bill Brennan is able to play after recovering from a hip pointer, but fullback Tim Byrnes, who played tight end some last week, will start. Should receiver Rocky Palamara be unable to play, Richard Harrison will join receivers Mark Hill, J.J. Celestine and Tony Dill.