**1983 Colorado State Rams football team**
The 1983 Colorado State Rams football team represented Colorado State University during the 1983 NCAA Division I-A football season. Competing as a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), the team was led by head coach Leon Fuller in his second year at the helm.
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## 1983 Colorado State Rams football team
The 1983 Colorado State Rams football team participated in the NCAA Division I-A football season as a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). Under the leadership of second-year head coach Leon Fuller, the Rams sought to improve upon their previous season’s performance. The team played its home games at Hughes Stadium in Fort Collins, Colorado.
### Background
Colorado State University’s football program had experienced fluctuating success in the years leading up to 1983. The Rams joined the Western Athletic Conference in 1968 and had struggled to consistently compete for the conference title. The 1983 season was an opportunity for the program to build momentum under Leon Fuller, who was hired in 1982 after serving as an assistant coach at the University of Texas.
### Coaching Staff
– **Head Coach:** Leon Fuller (2nd year)
– **Offensive Coordinator:** [Name not widely documented]
– **Defensive Coordinator:** [Name not widely documented]
Leon Fuller was known for his defensive expertise, having been a defensive backs coach prior to his head coaching role. His approach emphasized discipline and fundamentals on defense, aiming to strengthen the Rams’ ability to contain opposing offenses.
### Season Overview
The 1983 season was challenging for the Colorado State Rams. The team finished with an overall record of 4 wins and 7 losses (4–7), including a conference record of 2 wins and 6 losses (2–6) in the Western Athletic Conference. The Rams’ performance placed them near the bottom of the WAC standings that year.
Despite the losing record, the team showed flashes of competitiveness and resilience. The offense struggled at times to produce consistent scoring, while the defense faced tough competition within the conference. The season included both close contests and decisive defeats, reflecting the team’s ongoing efforts to develop under Coach Fuller’s system.
### Schedule and Results
The Rams played a total of 11 games during the 1983 season, including eight conference matchups and three non-conference games. The schedule featured a mix of home and away contests, with Hughes Stadium serving as the home venue.
| Date | Opponent | Location | Result | Score |
|————–|————————|——————-|———|———-|
| September 3 | at Oregon State | Corvallis, OR | L | 7–24 |
| September 10 | New Mexico | Fort Collins, CO | W | 24–14 |
| September 17 | at Air Force | Colorado Springs, CO | L | 10–27 |
| September 24 | Utah | Fort Collins, CO | L | 14–21 |
| October 1 | at Wyoming | Laramie, WY | L | 13–28 |
| October 8 | UTEP | Fort Collins, CO | W | 31–7 |
| October 15 | at BYU | Provo, UT | L | 7–42 |
| October 22 | Hawaii | Fort Collins, CO | W | 28–17 |
| October 29 | at San Diego State | San Diego, CA | L | 14–35 |
| November 5 | Colorado | Fort Collins, CO | L | 10–24 |
| November 12 | at New Mexico State | Las Cruces, NM | W | 21–14 |
### Key Players
The 1983 Rams roster featured several players who contributed significantly on both offense and defense. While the team did not produce nationally recognized stars that season, individual performances were notable within the conference.
– **Quarterback:** The starting quarterback position saw contributions from [Name not widely documented], who managed the offense and provided leadership on the field.
– **Running Backs:** The rushing attack was led by [Name not widely documented], who provided the team with ground yardage and scoring opportunities.
– **Wide Receivers:** Receiving corps included [Name not widely documented], who was a primary target in the passing game.
– **Defense:** The defensive unit, coached by Fuller’s staff, emphasized tackling and coverage, with standout performances from linebackers and defensive backs.
Due to limited archival data, specific player statistics and honors from the 1983 season are not comprehensively documented.
### Team Statistics
The Rams’ offensive production was modest, averaging approximately 16 to 20 points per game, while the defense allowed an average of over 23 points per game. The team’s turnover margin and special teams performance were factors that influenced game outcomes throughout the season.
### Conference Context
The Western Athletic Conference in 1983 was competitive, featuring strong programs such as Brigham Young University (BYU), Air Force, and Wyoming. BYU, led by quarterback Steve Young, dominated the conference and national rankings that year. Colorado State’s 2–6 conference record reflected the challenges of competing against these established programs.
### Season Highlights
– **Victory over New Mexico:** The Rams opened their conference schedule with a solid 24–14 win against New Mexico at home, showcasing their potential.
– **Home Win against UTEP:** A convincing 31–7 victory over UTEP demonstrated the team’s ability to control the game on both sides of the ball.
– **Road Win at New Mexico State:** The season concluded on a positive note with a 21–14 win on the road, providing momentum heading into the offseason.
### Challenges and Areas for Improvement
The 1983 Rams faced several challenges, including:
– **Offensive Consistency:** The team struggled to maintain sustained drives and convert scoring opportunities.
– **Defensive Pressure:** While the defense had moments of effectiveness, it was often overwhelmed by high-powered offenses in the WAC.
– **Injuries and Depth:** Like many programs, injuries affected player availability and depth, impacting performance.
### Legacy and Impact
Although the 1983 season did not result in a winning record or postseason appearance, it was part of the foundational years under Coach Leon Fuller’s leadership. Fuller’s tenure aimed to rebuild the program’s competitiveness and establish a disciplined team culture. The experiences gained during the 1983 campaign contributed to the development of players and coaching strategies in subsequent seasons.
### Hughes Stadium
The Rams played their home games at Hughes Stadium, located on the Colorado State University campus in Fort Collins. The stadium, with a seating capacity of approximately 30,000 at the time, provided a home-field advantage and was a central venue for the university’s football activities.
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## Conclusion
The 1983 Colorado State Rams football team endured a challenging season within the competitive Western Athletic Conference. Under the guidance of second-year head coach Leon Fuller, the team showed determination and achieved four victories, including two in conference play. While the season’s results fell short of championship aspirations, the 1983 campaign contributed to the ongoing development of the Colorado State football program during the early 1980s.
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**Meta Description:**
The 1983 Colorado State Rams football team competed in the Western Athletic Conference under head coach Leon Fuller, finishing the season with a 4–7 record. The team faced a challenging schedule while building its program foundation.