Colorado State vs Wyoming: Three Keys to a Rams Win

Can the Rams overcome a heartbreaking defeat and beat Wyoming? Here are three keys to how they can do just that.

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Colorado State vs Wyoming: Three Keys to a Rams Win

The Rams have a chance for a rivalry win.

Contact/Follow @J0shFr3d & @MWCwire

Can the Rams get the rivalry monkey off their backs?

WEEK 10: Colorado State Rams (4-6, 3-3 Mountain West) vs. Wyoming Cowboys (6-4, 3-3 Mountain West)

WHEN: Friday, November 22 — 7:30 PM MT/6:30 PM PT

WHERE: War Memorial Stadium; Laramie, Wyoming (29,181)

TV: ESPN2

RADIO: Colorado State | Wyoming

SERIES RECORD: Colorado State leads the overall series 58-47-5. Wyoming leads the Bronze Boot series 27-24.

WEBSITES: CSURams.com, the official Colorado State athletics website | GoWyo.com, the official Wyoming athletics website

ODDS (via OddsShark): Wyoming -6.5

FEI PROJECTION: Wyoming by 15

The Colorado State Rams are coming off a heartbreaking loss to Air Force. Now, they have to turn around and face another rival in Wyoming. The Cowboys are coming off a loss of their own to Utah State.

The Border War is always a physical matchup between two teams that don’t like each other. Since Craig Bohl has become the Cowboys coach, it has been a matchup of the Rams offense vs the Wyoming defense. Here’s how Colorado State can come out on top.

Three Keys to a Colorado State Victory

1. Contain the run.

The Colorado State Rams held the Air Force Falcons close to under 100 rushing yards less than their average. The Wyoming Cowboys are relying on their running game this season due to a poor passing game. The Rams defense needs to prepare for both, but can focus a little more on the running game.

Sean Chambers was a big reason for the start Wyoming got out to, as he forced you to account for the QB in the running game. When Chambers got injured, it brought Tyler Vander Waal into the starting lineup. Vander Waal isn’t that big of a runner, so it’s one less piece the Rams have to worry about.

2. Protect the Quarterback.

Colorado State allowed eight sacks against Air Force. Wyoming is tied for 20th in the country with 30 sacks, averaging three per game. The CSU offensive line is going to have to step up or Patrick O’Brien is in for another long, cold night in Laramie.

In the two weeks before playing Air Force, CSU had only allowed one sack. If the Rams are to be successful against the Cowboys, O’Brien is going to need a clean pocket. Injuries have cause some shuffling of the Rams offensive line. But they rotate during games anyway, so chemistry shouldn’t be an issue.

3. #RunTheDangBallBobo

CSU head coach Mike Bobo turned into Pete Carroll against Air Force, by throwing from the goal line instead of running the ball. The Rams struggled to run the ball against Air Force, but continued to do so in an effort to keep the defense honest.

CSU will be facing a second stingy rush defense in as many weeks. The offensive line will need to open holes for Marcus McElroy and the other running backs if they want to a, keep the defense honest and b, give Patrick O’Brien a clean pocket.

Prediction

Both Wyoming and Colorado State have gone on winning streaks during their rivalry. The Cowboys are in the midst of a three game win streak during this series, which followed a three game stretch of Ram victories. Colorado State has the talent to win this game, it’s just a matter of it they want it bad enough. They’ve had some extra motivation this week with video from last year and the Wyoming fight song blaring through practice. CSU should come out fired up and win a close one.

CSU 27, Wyoming 21

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