Oct. 16, 2004
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SAN DIEGO (AP) - Colorado State's Terrance Carter stripped the ball away from San Diego State running back Michael Franklin in the final two minutes to set up Jimmy Green's game-winning touchdown as the Rams pulled out an improbable 21-17 victory Saturday.
San Diego State was on the brink of a come-from-behind victory after Garrett Palmer's third field goal of the day had given the Aztecs a 17-14 lead with 5:36 left in the game.
But Colorado State pinned San Diego State back on its own eight yard line following a 48-yard punt by Jeff Babcock with 2:13 left.
Franklin hit the middle of the Colorado State line on a run from the 10 and Carter came from the right side and pulled the ball out of Franklin's hands under a pile of players before he hit the ground.
Green, who rushed for a team-high 64 yards on 21 carries, ran nine yards to the one and then found the end zone with 1:10 left in the game.
Colorado State (2-4, 1-1 Mountain West Conference) turned to its backup quarterback Caleb Hanie after starter Justin Holland broke his ankle late in the first quarter.
Hanie, who completed 12 of 19 passes for 115 yards, completed five of five passes on an 80-yard 12-play drive that culminated with a four-yard touchdown pass to tight end Joel Dreesen that put Colorado State up, 14-6, with 2:51 left in the first half.
San Diego State (2-4, 0-2) tied the game at 14-14 on the first play of the fourth quarter when O'Connell connected with Jeff Webb on a 58-yard touchdown pass and O'Connell threw a two-point conversion pass to Robert Ortiz.
An interception return by San Diego State's Reggie Grisby set up Palmer's go-ahead field goal, which set the stage for the dramatic finish.
San Diego State linebacker Kirk Morrison had 14 tackles, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
Colorado State's Adam Lancisero had 11 tackles and an interception.