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Hawai’i vs. Colorado State: CSU Keys, How to Watch, Odds, Predicition

The CSU Rams welcome Hawai’i to Fort Collins. The Rams are looking to get back in the win column and we have some keys for them to do so.

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Hawai’i vs. Colorado State: CSU Keys, How to Watch, Odds, Predicition

The Rams and Rainbow Warriors battle in the Sickos Game of the Week

Contact/Follow @J0shFr3d & @MWCwire

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Can the Rams get back on track?

WEEK 8: Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors (2-5, 1-1 MW) vs. Colorado State Rams (1-5, 1-1 MW)

WHEN: Saturday, October 22nd — 2:00 p.m. MST / 1:00 p.m. PST

WHERE: Canvas Stadium; Fort Collins, CO (36,500)

WEATHER: Clear Sky, high of 74 degrees

TV: Spectrum Sports (Hawai’i Only)

STREAMING: Team1 Sports App

RADIO: K99-FM 99.1 / ESPN 1600 AM

SERIES RECORD: This will be the 27th matchup all time between these two schools. CSU leads the series 15-11

LAST MEETING: Hawai’i won 50-45 last season in Hawai’i

WEBSITES: UtahStateAggies.com, the official Hawai’i athletics website | CSURams.com, the official Colorado State athletics website

GAME NOTES (PDF): Hawai’i | Colorado State

ODDS: Colorado State -5

OVER/UNDER: 46.5

SP+ PROJECTION: Colorado State by 1.3

FEI PROJECTION: Colorado State by 7.3

PARKER FLEMING PROJECTION: Colorado State 50.31% win probability (20.02-19.91)

Colorado State had an opportunity to win two games in a row, but just couldn’t finish last week against Utah State. The Aggies were able to control the clock with their running game and the Rams offense couldn’t finish when given multiple opportunities on short fields.

This week, the Rams welcome Hawia’i to Fort Collins for State Pride day. The Rainbow Warriors will be looking to continue their momentum after their second win of the year in a 31-16 victory over Nevada. Brayden Schager looked ok last week, but the real key for Hawai’i was Dedrick Parson.

Timmy Chang is in his first season as a head coach for Hawai’i. He is taking over a program that was in desperate need for a change after the past two seasons under Todd Graham. Chang and CSU head coach Jay Norvell are close friends, but no so for four hours this weekend.

Now to the keys to victory for the Rams.

Three Keys to a colorado state victory

1. Keep the QB protected

Whichever QB ends up starting, the Colorado State offensive line needs to give them time to lead the offense. Whether it be Clay Millen, Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, or even potentially Jackson Stratton, the QB is going to need time to get the offense run effectively.

While Hawai’i only has six sacks on the year, that total can go up if Colorado State isn’t on the same page. Jacob Gardner has done fantastic since moving out to left tackle. George Miki-Han has earned the praises of the coaches since moving up the depth chart to starter at center. Now the other three need to step up and match their intensity.

2. Defend the Run

The Rams have had trouble stopping the run this year, as they rank just inside the top 100 defenses in terms of rushing yards given up per game. Colorado State has given up 252, 114, and 160 yards on the ground in their past three games. They will have to contain the run to give their offense a chance.

Dedrick Parson had himself a game against Nevada last week for Hawai’i, going for 136 yards and three touchdowns. Parson doesn’t have that many yards on the year, only 472, but he is the Rainbow Warrors’ finisher. He has scored 10 touchdowns on the year, tied for 5th in the nation, and Parson is definitely someone the Rams will need to key on.

3. Capitalize on the Big Plays

Colorado State had three opportunities to put more points on the board last week against Utah State on a short field after an interception, a blocked punt, and a fumble recovery. The Rams only managed to score six points out of those three possessions as they were held to field goals on all three, but missed one of them.

The defense has certainly stepped up in conference play and now the offense needs to do its part. Clay Millen, or whomever is under center, needs to be a leader and get this team in the end zone. Whether that be through the air to Tory Horton and company or on the ground with Avery Morrow and the others. The Rams just need to finish.

what will happen

If Clay Millen is back, the offense could finally be taking that next step forward. He was completing 70%+ of his passes before getting hurt and will look to maintain that accuracy against Hawai’i. The Rams are hungry to prove they aren’t the team that has played the first half of the season and will show it this weekend.

Final Score: Colorado State 31, Hawai’i 20

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Mountain West Football: Midseason Team Grades

How has each Mountain West team fared now that the season is half finished? We grade offense, defense, and special teams.

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Mountain West Football: Midseason Team Grades

How has each Mountain West team fared now that the season is half finished? We grade offense, defense, and special teams.

Contact/Follow @MattK_FS and @MWCwire

Who’s made the grade and who hasn’t?

Now that every team in the Mountain West has played at least six games, the conference’s college football season has reached its halfway point. Few things have played out as expected, with as many surprises as disappointments, but now is as good a time as any to assess just how well each team has done.

First, for the sake of context, keep these links handy as some particular statistics will be mentioned in most team sections:

Midseason Grades By Team

Air Force | Boise State | Colorado State | Fresno State | Hawaii | Nevada | New Mexico | San Diego State | San Jose State | UNLV | Utah State | Wyoming

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Utah State vs. Colorado State: Game Preview, How to Watch, Odds, Predicition

Colorado State welcomes Utah State to Fort Collins for Homecoming. Can the Rams build on their momentum from last week?

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Utah State vs. Colorado State: Game Preview, How to Watch, Odds, Predicition

The Rams look to keep pace in the Mountain Division

Contact/Follow @J0shFr3d & @MWCwire

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Can the Rams make it two in a row?

WEEK 7: Utah State Aggies (2-4, 1-1 MW) vs. Colorado State Rams (1-4, 1-0 MW)

WHEN: Saturday, October 15th — 5:00 p.m. MST / 4:00 p.m. PST

WHERE: Canvas Stadium; Fort Collins, CO (36,500)

WEATHER: Partly Cloudy, high of 64 degrees

TV: CBS Sports Network

STREAMING: Fans can sign up to receive a free one-week trial of Fubo, which includes CBS Sports Network, by following this link.

RADIO: K99-FM 99.1 / ESPN 1600 AM

SERIES RECORD: This will be the 78th matchup all time between these two schools. CSU leads the series 39-36-2

LAST MEETING: Utah State won 26-24 last season

WEBSITES: UtahStateAggies.com, the official Sacramento State athletics website | CSURams.com, the official Colorado State athletics website

GAME NOTES (PDF): Utah State | Colorado State

ODDS: Utah State -11

OVER/UNDER: 45.5

SP+ PROJECTION: Utah State by 8.0

FEI PROJECTION: Utah State by 6.2

PARKER FLEMING PROJECTION: Utah State 81.78% win probability (34.34-21.82)

The Rams finally got their first win for new head coach Jay Norvell. Using two defensive touchdowns and a last minute drive for a field goal, the Rams finally got in the win column with a 17-14 victory over Norvell’s old squad in Nevada.

This week, the Rams welcome Utah State to Fort Collins for Homecoming. The Aggies will be looking to continue their momentum after their big 34-27 win over Air Force. Cooper Legas has taken over for Logan Bonner and his mobility has been key for the Aggies.

Blake Anderson is in his second season at Utah State. He led the Aggies to a Mountain West Championship in his first season at the helm. Blake Anderson took over for Gary Anderson (no relation) after spending seven seasons at Arkansas State and compiling a 51-37 record.

Now to the keys to victory for the Rams.

Three Keys to a colorado state victory

1. Let Pooler Grow

The Rams will be starting their third different quarterback in three weeks this week, as walk-on redshirt-freshman Giles Pooler gets handed the reigns this week after Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi took a couple knocks against Nevada. Pooler is 6’5″ 210 left handed quarterback who spent three years, less than three miles away from Canvas Stadium, at Rocky Mountain High School before transferring to St. Xavier in Lousiville, Kentucky during COVID.

Pooler earned the respect of the coaches during the spring, so much so that he was named back up on the first depth chart of the season and saw some action againt Michigan in garbage time. BFN passed ahead of Pooler due to his mobility. But Pooler is ready to show why the coaches have faith in him.

2. Keep the Crowd Involved

It’s Homecoming in Fort Collins this weekend and it’s getting close to a sellout. The crowd is going to be there and the Rams need to give them something to cheer for. When Canvas gets rocking, it can be an intimidating place to play. Rams’ fans just haven’t had much to cheer for these past few years.

If the defense can keep up their intensity and the offense can show what the air raid can be, the Fort Collins crowd can help this Rams team out. From making it hard for Utah State to make calls to making the Aggies doubt what they’ve heard. Loud noises can do it all.

3. Defensive Intensity

The Rams defense won them the game last week against Nevada. Ayden Hector had a pick six in his first start. And Mukendi Wa-Kalonji took a fumble back 50 yards for thicc six. Henry Blackburn made his return from injury and had himself a game. He tied for the lead in tackles with eight, had a tackle for loss, forced fumble, and also had a pass breakup.

The Rams continue to be a force up front with 11 sacks and 32 tackles for loss on the year. Mohamd Kamara has four sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss to the lead the team. If Kamara and C.J. Onyechi can keep Legas contained, the Rams have a chance to start 2-0 in conference play for the second year in a row.

what will happen

The Rams get back on track on offense after a rough start to the year. The defense makes enough plays to keep the Rams in the game. Utah State will get their shots in. But the monkey off the back from last week and the homecoming crowd propel Colorado State to victory.

Final Score: Colorado State 24, Utah State 20

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College Football Coaches, Job Openings & Deion: Cavalcade of Whimsy

College football coaches and just how silly this all is, major job openings, and what to do with NIL money in this week’s Cavalcade of Whimsy

The silliness of the college football coaching world, big job openings, and what to do with NIL money in the latest Cavalcade of Whimsy.

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College Football Coaches, Job Openings & Deion

College Football Week 5 Roundup
CFN 1-131 Rankings | Rankings by Conference
Bowl Projections | Week 5 Scoreboard
Week 6 Early Lines | AP Rankings | Coaches Poll
Chryst, Dorrell Fired: Hot Seat Coach Rankings
What 12-Team Playoff Would Look Like

Sorry if this column sucks, it’s not my fault …

It gained two rushing yards against the University of Illinois on Saturday and all it got was this lousy $11 million buyout.

Cavalcade of Whimsy
One thing about NIL deals that has to stop
5 Opinions | Lock Picks, Overrated/Underrated

And no matter what job you have, hopefully this shortens the game a bit

Think about all the jobs that needed to be filled in the history of human existence and all the things people have had to do to survive.

As we speak, someone out there is cutting someone else’s toenails.

Now think of the silliest jobs possible.

Someone actually gets paid to sit in a room and make a decision.

Right now, someone is unironically using the word “synergy” in a speech and being compensated handsomely.

Someone else is drawing a cartoon and will be able to feed her family by doing so. Someone else is finishing up a phone call with “talk at cha.” Someone else is writing a pretentious column full of goofy thoughts.

It’s not like these people’s jobs matter. It’s not like they’re building a house, or fixing a leg, or making a kid smarter, or repairing power lines, or feeding an old person, or doing something that actually makes this whole engine go.

Really, take a moment to come up with the silliest possible job combination of money and power. I’ll see your TikTok influencer and raise you a major college football head coach.

We have gone totally mad as a society to think Nick Saban is important.

It’s ridiculous that a person can become multi-generational wealthy and be the most powerful person at an institution of higher learning – and in some cases, be the highest paid employee in a state – by getting a bunch of college kids to play a dumb game.

Jimbo Fisher earned approximately $175 during the time it took you to read this so far.

This whole notion of teaching, and building up young people to become better men, and creating life skills, and caring about their eduction – it’s all a flaming bag of horsespit when that 18-year-old’s kick goes three inches to the left.

And how do I know this?

Did you see the way those coaches looked at Chad Powers when he started throwing?

A college football coach is there to do one thing and one thing only, and that’s to win college football games. That’s it. Raising money, curing kids with cancer, creating new buildings, funding scholarships – yeah, super, but did you beat Illinois?

And to make this madness even more insane, we’ve all bought into it.

Hook all Auburn fans – or fans of any major program with a struggling head coach – up to a lie detector and ask if they’d like to dump Bryan Harsin just before supper for Urban Meyer or Hugh Freeze.

Nick Saban is important.

The University of Alabama is a fine school, but it sure as shoot doesn’t have the same ability to dive into the national student talent pool if the football program isn’t this.

Not to school shame, but it’s not like the University of New Mexico is up in my neck of the woods in suburban Chicago macking it hard on the National Merit Scholars like Bama is.

And I know first hand how this all works. Not to go all “Losing My Edge,” but I was there in 1988 when Wisconsin football was ranked 107th in the Sagarin ratings.

There were 104 colleges playing Division-I football.

When it comes to Paul Chryst, I don’t want to hear whine one from any Badger fan that doesn’t go to a dark place hearing the words Veer offense.

I saw what one athletic director hire and one football coach could do to completely change an entire state.

It took a few years and, literally, trash cans of vomit to get there, but few major universities have been able to reposition themselves nationally like Wisconsin did, and it started with being better at a sport.

And now it’s going to pay almost $11 million to get rid of a good guy who won 72% of his games after starting the season 2-3.

Yeah, it’s ridiculous, but that’s the deal.

That’s why these coaches are being fired after losing a few games that could’ve gone either way. That’s why college football fans don’t bristle at the obscene amounts of money being given to these men to do what they do, and then to get rid of them if needed.

It’s all silly. These are silly people doing silly things in a silly situation.

And we’re cool with it, because that’s the game now.

However, with ALL of that said, I’m not cool with …

Cavalcade of Whimsy 
One thing about NIL deals that has to stop
5 Opinions | Lock Picks, Overrated/Underrated

NEXT: More coaching madness, when the Cavalcade of Whimsy continues …

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4

Utah State vs. No. 19 BYU Game Preview, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction

Aggies look to course-correct on the road against ranked BYU This game is sure to be super fun and definitely not terrible Contact/Follow @Logantj & @MWCwire Utah State vs. No. 19 BYU Game Preview, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction WEEK 5: Utah State …

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Aggies look to course-correct on the road against ranked BYU

This game is sure to be super fun and definitely not terrible

Contact/Follow @Logantj & @MWCwire

Utah State vs. No. 19 BYU Game Preview, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction

WEEK 5: Utah State (1-3, 0-1 MW) vs. No. 19 BYU (3-1)

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022 at 6pm

WHERE: LaVell Edwards Stadium (63,725), Provo, UT

TV: ESPN

RADIO: KSL (1280 AM/97.5 FM), or online at kslsports.com/kslsportszone

SERIES RECORD: Utah State trails BYU in the all-time series 37-50-3, which includes an 18-28-1 road record.

LAST WEEK: Utah State dropped its homecoming game against UNLV 34-24. BYU won at home vs. Wyoming 38-24.

WEBSITES: UtahStateAggies.com | Byucougars.com

ODDS: Money line: Utah State +1250, BYU -2800. Spread: BYU -24. Over/under: 59.5 points

Preview

Well. This should be an interesting voyage down to Provo for the Aggies, who are still searching for themselves this season after a disappointing 1-3 start. On the road against a top-20 opponent isn’t generally where you see a team figure out its offense, but hey — any given Sunday, er…Thursday, right?

…right?

Key #1: Limit BYU QB Jaren Hall

Hall has the goods to captain a ranked Cougar squad through its decently challenging schedule this season, already tallying 103-of-144 passing for 1,164 yards (291.0 ypg), nine touchdowns and one solitary interception. This year’s Aggie defense has routinely been placed in awful situations thanks to an offense that turns the ball over more often than it crosses midfield, but in the right circumstances the front seven in particular have flashed some playmaking ability.

Get creative, get to Hall, force difficult passes and perhaps Utah State can keep things competitive early.

Key #2: For the Love of God, Please Take Care of the Ball

Masochists who watched the UNLV game in its entirety technically witnessed six Aggie turnovers, but if you add unsuccessful 4th down tries and accidentally downing a punt attempt at the wrong 5-yard-line to the mix USU effectively gifted UNLV the ball nine times.

NINE TIMES? Nine times.

Rumors abound regarding Aggie QB Logan Bonner’s status for this game and an alleged foot injury that may cost him the rest of his season, meaning backups Cooper Legas and/or Levi Williams may well see action tonight. Whoever winds up under center (and let’s be honest, it could change more than once given the history of QB injuries for both teams in this series), the Aggies just can’t afford turning the ball over. This matchup is already lopsided in terms of the available talent on the field — give the ranked Cougars free passes into plus territory and the game’s as good as over.

Key #3 Be Better at Offense. And Eliminate Penalties. And Call Better Plays. And…

Just…play better football. You can point to a significantly reduced WR corps failing to create separation, a softer OL than USU anticipated and stale play calling as pretty critical holes in this team’s armor, but nothing excuses 11 penalties for 93 yards last weekend. This may not be a very fun game for the Aggie faithful or the dudes on the field, but controlling the things you can control even when you appear outmatched goes a long way.

BYU may throw all over this secondary, or find the edge repeatedly in the ground game once they shift things into cruise control mid-third quarter, but staying competitive through disciplined football would give reason for optimism in the rest of USU’s season.

Prediction

It’s tough to picture the Aggies pulling off a stunner in Provo considering how stagnant their offense has looked through four games. However, there’s a lot of easy room for improvement in terms of cleaning up dumb penalties and even dumber turnovers, not to mention simply acting like they’ve played in big games before (because they have!) which might make this one worth the watch for a quarter or two.

Final Score: BYU 42, USU 10

 


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Sacramento State vs. Colorado State: Game Preview, How to Watch, Odds, Predicition

The CSU Rams look to avoid going 0-4 for the first time since 2007 as they welcome FCS Sacramento State to Fort Collins.

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Sacramento State vs. Colorado State: Game Preview, How to Watch, Odds, Predicition

The Rams look to avoid opening 0-4 for the first time since 2007

Contact/Follow @J0shFr3d & @MWCwire

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Can the Rams show any improvement?

WEEK 4: Sacramento State Hornets (2-0) vs. Colorado State Rams (0-3)

WHEN: Saturday, September 24th — 2:00 p.m. MST / 1:00 p.m. PST

WHERE: Canvas Stadium; Fort Collins, CO (36,500)

WEATHER: Clear Sky, high of 83 degrees

TV: Evoca TV/Local3 (Colorado only)

STREAMING: MW Network

RADIO: K99-FM 99.1 / ESPN 1600 AM

SERIES RECORD: This will be the second matchup all time between these two schools. CSU leads the series 1-0

LAST MEETING: Colorado State won 23-20 in 2008

WEBSITES: HornetSports.com, the official Sacramento State athletics website | CSURams.com, the official Colorado State athletics website

GAME NOTES (PDF): Sacramento State | Colorado State

ODDS: Sacramento State -3.5

OVER/UNDER: 57

SP+ PROJECTION: Sacramento State by 4.9

The Rams have gotten off to a bad start under new head coach Jay Norvell. Three blowout losses to Michigan, Middle Tennessee, and Washington State have led to some wondering if the right hire was made. Changing coaches, offensive styles, and players is never easy. Especially after the hole CSU was left in before Norvell

This week, the Rams welcome Sacramento State to Fort Collins. The Hornets run a split QB system and run a 4-2-5 defense. Jake Dunniway is more of a pocket passer, while Asher O’Hara is more of a dual threat. It doesn’t matter who is under center, Sacramento State can hurt you either way.

Troy Taylor is in his fourth season at Sacramento State. He has led the Hornets to consecutive nine win seasons (Sacramento State didn’t play in 2020) and two consecutive second round FCS playoff appearances. Sixth ranked Sacramento State is not a team to take lightly as much as fans like to look down on FCS schools.

Colorado State Football: First Look At The Sacramento State Hornets

Now to the keys to victory for the Rams.

Three Keys to a colorado state victory

1. Give the QB more time.

This is going to remain key number one until the Rams can prove they can protect their quarterback. Clay Millen has stood tall and taken 23 sacks so far this season. Some of that is on him and some of that is on the line. Millen did a better job against Wazzu of getting the ball out early and using his feet and he will need to keep progressing on both fronts this week.

The Rams offensive line has had three different starting groups in three games, which is no way to build cohesion. However they must come together to protect their QB. Jacob Gardner moved out to left tackle, Dirk Nelson and Owen Snively have stepped up a little bit at center and right tackle respectively, and it remains to be seen when Dontae Keys will return from injury.

2. Get the freshman going.

The Rams brought in a talented group of freshman receivers and now is there time to shine. Justus Ross-Simmons, Louis Brown, Mekhi Fox, and Ky Oday have brought some wow factor to the CSU receivers room. Ross-Simmons got the start against Washington State and showed flashes of potential as he grabbed his first touchdown reception.

Ross-Simmons will once again get the start this week and Louis Brown will be the first man up if CSU is going to go with a four wide receiver set. Look for both of them to make impact plays if given the chance. Ross-Simmons is a big receiver at 6’3″, 200lbs and Louis Brown is 6’1″, 175 so both are larger targets for Clay Millen to throw to.

3. Pay attention to who is the QB.

Jake Dunniway, Asher O’Hara. #12, #10. It doesn’t matter which quarterback is in the backfield they can both hurt you, just in different ways. Dunniway is the pocket passer out of the two, while Asher O’Hara is the dual threat. The Rams will need to pay attention to who is on the field and adjust their defense accordingly.

Most don’t think the dual QB system will work, a la Michigan, but Sacramento State has made it work for them. The rushing threat of O’Hara has opened up some throwing lanes as he’s thrown two touchdowns while completing 80% of his passes. Dunniway has running threats in Cameron Skattebo and Marcus Fulcher to help out, but he mainly looks downfield.

what will happen

Probably could reverse the final score here, but the Rams look ready to prove something this week. They’ve had a number of players leave and those who remain look to show improvement this week. Sacramento State is a good team who shouldn’t be taken lightly, but CSU is ready to show what they can do.

Final Score: Colorado State 31, Sacramento State 28

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Air Force Football: 2023 Matchup vs. Army Moved to Denver

Air Force Football: 2023 Matchup vs. Army Moved to Denver Army and Air Force Will Play at Empower Field at Mile High Next Year Contact/Follow @PSeanU1 & @MWCwire It looks like Air Force and Army are going to keep with their alternate stadium theme …

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Air Force Football: 2023 Matchup vs. Army Moved to Denver

Army and Air Force Will Play at Empower Field at Mile High Next Year

Contact/Follow @PSeanU1 & @MWCwire

It looks like Air Force and Army are going to keep with their alternate stadium theme going beyond the Commanders Classic series. In 2021 and 2022, Army and Air Force play in Arlington for a special series dubbed the Commanders Classic. Instead of returning the rivalry back to campus, which in 2023 was slated to be Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, they will engage in battle at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.

Celebrating marque games at an alternate sites isn’t all that uncommon. However, the major driver behind this change was the renovations at Falcon Stadium which will be ongoing in 2023. At the core of this decision was a commitment to dignify this annual rivalry matchup with the best stage possible. A lot of credit is due for the regard that Air Force Athletic Director, Nathan Pine and their administration have given this game.

If you are interested in attending the game, tickets will release sometime in February of 2023. Season ticket holders will have this game built in to their compliment of games according to Air Force Athletics.

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Middle Tennessee vs. Colorado State: Game Preview, How to Watch, Odds, Predicition

The CSU Rams open up Fort Air Raid at home for the first time. We look at three keys for the Rams to walk out with a victory.

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Middle Tennessee vs. Colorado State: Game Preview, How to Watch, Odds, Predicition

Fort Air Raid opens up at home for the first time.

Contact/Follow @J0shFr3d & @MWCwire

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Can the Rams bring the fans back to Canvas?

WEEK 2: Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (0-1) vs. Colorado State Rams (0-1)

WHEN: Saturday, September 10th — 2:00 p.m. MST / 1:00 p.m. PST

WHERE: Canvas Stadium; Fort Collins, CO (36,500)

WEATHER: Overcast with chance for rain, high of 59 degrees

TV: Evoca TV/Local3 (Colorado only)

STREAMING: MW Network

RADIO: K99-FM 99.1 / ESPN 1600 AM

SERIES RECORD: This will be the first ever matchup between these two schools.

LAST MEETING: First Meeting

WEBSITES: GoBlueRaiders.com, the official Middle Tennessee athletics website | CSURams.com, the official Colorado State athletics website

GAME NOTES (PDF): Middle Tennessee | Colorado State

ODDS: Colorado State -11

OVER/UNDER: 57

SP+ PROJECTION: Colorado State by 3.5

FEI PROJECTION: Colorado State by 3.2

PARKER FLEMING PROJECTION: Colorado State with a 63.79% chance to win (28.03-23.12)

The Rams kicked off a new era under new head coach Jay Norvell. It wasn’t the prettiest affair, losing 51-7 to then No. 8-ranked Michigan, but you could tell there was something different about this team. There were moments where you could really see the changes on this Rams team and that they just need that one moment to break through.

This week, they host the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in the first home game of the Norvell era. It’s almost like looking in the mirror for the Rams as Middle Tennessee also runs an air raid offense and use a 4-2-5 defensive formation.

Because of the similarities between the teams, Colorado State is going to have the first-team offense and the first-team defense going against each other more in practice because they are facing two similar teams to them in the next two games, according to Kevin Lytle of the Coloradoan.

Now to the keys to victory for the Rams.

Colorado State Football: First Look At The Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders

Three Keys to a colorado state victory

1. Give the QB more time.

When Clay Millen had time against Michigan (which was not very often) he had the time to relax and go through his progressions. Against Middle Tennessee, the Rams offensive line will need to provide him with more time if they want the offense to move along as Jordan Ferguson for the Blue Raiders will not let them off easy.

The Rams only managed 219 yards of offense and one touchdown. And that is not a normal day for a Jay Norvell offense. The Rams offense needs more touches. From Tory Horton and Melquan Stovall at receiver to A’Jon Vivens and Avery Morrow in the backfield, it all starts with the offensive line providing the necessary time to set up plays.

2. Open the offense up.

This goes along with the first key. The Rams had a gameplan to get out of Ann Arbor safely and were trying to combat the athletic advantage Michigan had on them. This week we should see more of the offense that the air raid can be, the offense that was brought into to reinspire this CSU fan base.

We saw a glimpse of what could be when Clay Millen hit Tory Horton for a 34 yard touchdown pass to keep the Rams from being shut out. Now we need to see more of that, as well as getting more Rams involved. Dante Wright didn’t see a target, Tanner Arkin only caught one pass, and the passing game played second fiddle to the run game. The time is now to show what this offense can really do.

3. Pressure. Pressure. Pressure.

The Blue Raiders laid an egg against James Madison and former Rams QB Todd Centeio last week, only managing 119 total yards of offense. It was mostly an offensive blitz from the Dukes but their defense was no slouch, either, as they ended the day with four sacks and 13 tackles for loss.

The Rams want their front four to provide the majority of their pressure. Now is the time to unleash whatever aggression they may be holding onto. Mohamed Kamara had the lone sack for the Rams last week. He and CJ Onyechi need to get their motors running, along with the rest of the defensive line, and get after the Blue Raiders.

what will happen

Two teams that didn’t look like they did much last week. But you wouldn’t see that if you watched both games. CSU looked the better squad and Middle Tennessee looked uninspired. The Blue Raiders are going to come out and look to make up for last week, but the Rams will be on the ball and get Fort Air Raid started off on the right foot at home.

Final Score: Colorado State 45, Middle Tennessee 28

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Northern Colorado vs. Wyoming: Game Preview, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction

The Cowboys will look to maintain their winning ways against Northern Colorado. Here’s how to watch the livestream and what to watch for.

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Northern Colorado vs. Wyoming: Game Preview, How to Watch, Livestream, Odds, Prediction

Wyoming hopes to continue improving as the Northern Colorado Bears come to Laramie. Here’s how to find the livestream and what to watch for.

Cowboys look to continue to right the ship.

Contact/Follow @bangle94 & @MWCwire

WEEK 2: Northern Colorado Bears (0-1) vs. Wyoming Cowboys (1-1)

WHEN: Saturday, September 10 — 2:00 PM MDT/1:00 PM PDT

WHERE: War Memorial Stadium; Laramie, WY

TV: Mountain West Network

RADIO: The Wyoming broadcast can be found throughout the state on the affiliates of the Cowboy Sports Network, including flagship 1240 AM (KFBC) in Cheyenne. The Northern Colorado broadcast can be found in and around Greeley on 1310 AM and 103.1 FM (KFKA).

SERIES RECORD: The Cowboys and Bears have met 26 times previously, with the Cowboys holding an 18-5-3 record against the Bears.

LAST WEEK: Northern Colorado fell to Houston Baptist, 46-34, while Wyoming bested Tulsa 40-37 in double overtime.

WEBSITES: UNCBears.com, the official Northern Colorado athletics website | GoWyo.com, the official Wyoming athletics website

GAME NOTES (PDF): Northern Colorado | Wyoming

ODDS: N/A

SP+ PROJECTION: Wyoming by 22.8

FEI PROJECTION: N/A

PARKER FLEMING PROJECTION: N/A

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After a thrilling double overtime victory against Tulsa, Wyoming looks to carry forward positive momentum to a contest with the Northern Colorado Bears of the Big Sky Conference. The Cowboys look to build off good performances by quarterback Andrew Peasley and kicker John Hoyland, both of whom won Mountain West Player of the Week honors.

After a rough outing against Illinois, in which Peasley completed 5-of-20 passes for 30 yards, the embattled signal caller played significantly better at home against Tulsa, completing 20-of-30 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns. Peasley and the Cowboys hope to prove that the performance against Illinois was a fluke and not the performance against Tulsa.

Northern Colorado, meanwhile, comes into the game after losing a heartbreaker to Houston Baptist. The Bears scored 20 points in the fourth quarter to bring the game within five points and successfully converted an onside kick, only to have a fumble returned for a touchdown with a little over a minute left in the game. The comeback came as starting quarterback Dylan McCaffrey was replaced by Jacob Sirmon after suffering an injury, though it isn’t clear who will get the starting nod in Laramie.

Three Keys to a Cowboy Victory

1. Get Andrew Peasley in good situations.

One of the biggest differences between the loss at Illinois and the win over Tulsa was that offensive coordinator Tim Polasek dialed up some easy completions to get Andrew Peasley into an early rhythm. Peasley went 4-for-4 throwing the ball in the first quarter and looked considerably more comfortable than he did against the Illini. The early rhythm and establishment of the passing game also led to more space in the run game.

Another big difference this past week on the offensive side of the ball was more creativity in the offensive play calling. Instead of playing virtually every snap under center, the Cowboys mixed up their formations and played quite a bit out of the pistol and shotgun. One play that worked particularly well was the play action bootleg, so I expect the Cowboys to call more plays this week and put Peasley on the move in order to succeed.

2. Slow down the Northern Colorado passing game.

Against Tulsa, the Cowboys gave up 460 yards through the air and 8.8 yards per attempt, allowing three different receivers to gain at least 100 yards. To say the Wyoming secondary was torched is putting it lightly, so the Cowboys could be challenged again by UNC’s passing attack, which passed for 425 yards against Houston Baptist.

Both McCaffrey and Sirmon were able to move the ball effectively against HBU and the Bears had five different receivers with more than 40 receiving yards. Unless the Cowboys want to struggle for another week, they will need to shut down the passing attack of Northern Colorado. The Cowboys will be relying on shutdown performances from Cameron Stone, Deron Harrell, and Jakorey Hawkins.

3. Be creative in the run game.

It is no secret what Wyoming wants to do with the football. Since Craig Bohl came to town, the Cowboys have been a power running team. When Wyoming moves the football on the ground, they are at their best, but Titus Swen suffered bruised ribs in the Week 0 loss to Illinois, and his pain seemed to impact his showing against Tulsa.

With their top back not at 100 percent, the Cowboys need to be more creative running the football. I expect to see more QB designed runs and off tackle runs as opposed to the usual pound the ball up the middle. Titus Swen will be good to go on Saturday but it remains to be seen if he will feel 100 percent.

Final Thoughts

This game should be a good test for the Cowboys and has all the makings of being a trap game. If they can stay focused and take care of business, it will be a long day for the visitors. I expect Wyoming to come out with a very balanced attack and come away from the game with both a 100-yard rusher and 100-yard receiver.

Prediction

Wyoming 40, Northern Colorado 10

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Colorado State Football: Takeaways From 51-7 Loss to #8 Michigan

The CSU Rams got dominated in Ann Arbor by the Wolverines, but there were some key takeaways for them going forward.

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Colorado State Football: Takeaways From Loss to #8 Michigan

It looked ugly, but there were some strong points for the Rams

Contact/Follow @J0shFr3d & @MWCwire

Can the Rams continue to build on their performance?

Colorado State went to the Big House and came out relatively unscathed. They were overmatched in the 51-7 loss to the top ten Wolverines, but there are some definite takeaways for this Rams squad.

The Rams defense was definitely up to the task early, but the Michigan defense wore them down as the game went on. Three early red zone stops leading to field goals and with the exception of one explosive play, really limited the Michigan offense in the first half.

The offense was understandably overwhelmed by the Michigan defense. You had a redshirt freshman quarterback making his first collegiate start and you had and offensive line making their first start together as a unit. These things will calm down as the year goes on, but they made the day frustrating at times.

Now onto to the takeaways for this Rams squad.

The offensive line needs time to gel.

This is the most obvious takeaway from the game. The OL looked lost at times because they weren’t trusting the guy next to them. That will come as the season goes on. The coaches tried to help early by calling quick plays to let the line come together, but it still wasn’t enough.

The OL also wasn’t helped by quarterback Clay Millen holding onto the ball longer than he should. Again, not a worrying concern as it was his first start, but still something to keep in mind. There were times he should’ve thrown the ball away and others he should’ve thrown it sooner. But that all comes with more experience.

The defense will be leading the charge for the early part of the season.

One could look at the box score and call this a crazy take, but it’s true. This CSU defense was doing it’s job for the first half, outside of one play. Michigan just kept leaning on the defense which lead to the box score looking the way it does.

The defense held Michigan to 3 of 10 on third downs. They held early in the red zone, including holding the Wolverines to a field goal after an interception. The defensive line was causing havoc in the backfield. The linebackers were making plays sideline to sideline. The only concern was the open receivers, but they were helped by dropped passes.

You can see the potential this CSU team has.

A late touchdown from Millen to Tory Horton kept CSU from getting shutout. Takeaway the sacks and CSU averaged 3.6 yards a carry. Which, coming from an air raid team, is respectable; especially against a Michigan defense that was top 15 last season and had to replace a number of key pieces on that side of the ball.

The defense kept the team in it early. The punting game looked bad, but that was because of the game plan. The coaches are not worried. The only ones really freaking out are the fans. This was a buy game for the Rams, earning the atheltic department $1.8 million. But there were positives for the CSU staff to take away from this game.

And now a take for the coming week:

The performance against Middle Tennessee is going to be make or break for the Rams.

Everyone wants to move on from the Addazio era and those two years have mostly been erased. But the one thing that was always troubling was the animosity directed towards Todd Centeio. And he proved why it wasn’t always deserved this week, as he dominated against Middle Tennessee to the tune of nearly 400 combined rushing and passing yards and six passing touchdowns in James Madison’s 44-7 victory.

Now that take is mostly directed at Middle Tennessee’s performance as they gave up 548 yards and only managed 119 yards themselves. If this CSU squad is what we think they are, this week will be the true test. If they can perform to a similar level as James Madison, this CSU team is on the right track. If they have a middling performance, there’s still some work to do. If they come out and lay an egg, then one can start to worry about this team.

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