Colorado State Rams (2-2, 0-0 Mountain West @ Oregon State Beavers (3-1, Pac-12)
Date: Saturday, October 5
Time: 3:30 PM PT // 6:30 PM ET
Location: Reser Stadium – Corvallis, Oregon
TV: The CW
Live Stream: Watch this game on Fubo (Regional restrictions may apply)
Radio: Oregon State Radio Affiliates
Betting Line: Oregon State -11.5 on FanDuel
The Colorado State Rams (2-2) visit the Oregon State Beavers (3-1) at Reser Stadium on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
While the Rams currently compete in the Mountain West Conference, this matchup will become more frequent in two years when CSU officially joins the Pac-12.
Photo Courtesy (AP Photo/Tom R. Smedes)
Colorado State’s offense was expected to be the focal point of their 2024 campaign, especially with standout All-American wide receiver Tory Horton and promising young quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi leading the charge.
Despite this talent, the Rams have had a somewhat inconsistent start at 2-2, with wins coming against struggling teams like Northern Colorado and UTEP.
However, where the Rams have shown real promise is in their rush defense, which poses an intriguing challenge for an Oregon State team that thrives on its ground game.
CSU currently ranks second in the Mountain West, allowing only 113.5 rushing yards per game and three rushing touchdowns.
This stout run defense will be tested against the Beavers, who have built their offensive identity around a potent rushing attack.
Photo Courtesy PMG John Larviere
Oregon State and Colorado State’s matchup this week promises to be an exciting clash. These two teams have different trajectories and playstyles.
CSU head coach Jay Norvell on playing Oregon State: “Dialing in on a really good Oregon State football team. Going and playing them on the road in Corvallis is always a challenge.”
“(Coach) Trent Bray has taken that program over and he’s really continued a lot of the great qualities they’ve had.”
“They’ve been a really physical team running the football in recent years. They play really good, sound defense. They’re doing an amazing job controlling the time of possession”
His comment on the running game of the Beavers: : “”We haven’t really seen a team like this that really hangs their hat on the running game.
It’s going to be important, when you play a team that runs the ball as much as these guys do, it’s important you play great on first down.
They get a lot of manageable third downs because they run the ball effectively on first and second down.”
This will be a massive test for the Rams to contain and stop the Beavers chains moving during the game.
Oregon State: Staying Strong in the Pac-12
Oregon State comes into this game with a solid performance in the Pac-12 so far this season.
Known for their physical style of play, the Beavers boast a balanced offense that has been effective in both the air and on the ground.
Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, a transfer from Clemson, has been at the helm, showing flashes of brilliance while leading the team to key victories.
The Beavers’ rushing attack has also been formidable, led by running back Damien Martinez, averaging over 100 rushing yards per game.
Oregon State’s ability to control the tempo with a power run game, complemented by efficient passing from Uiagalelei, gives them a balanced offensive identity that should pose problems for CSU’s defense.
On the defensive side, the Beavers have been tough against the run but will be tested in containing CSU’s more pass-heavy approach.
Oregon State’s secondary, led by Ryan Cooper Jr., must be on high alert.
Colorado State: Air Raid Offense in Full Swing
Colorado State, meanwhile, comes into the game with a high-flying offense led by quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, who has thrown for more than 1,200 yards in just a few games this season.
Their air raid system, designed to spread the field and maximize passing opportunities, has kept them competitive. However, it hasn’t always resulted in wins.
The Rams’ offense is driven by wide receiver Tory Horton, who has been one of the top pass-catchers in the country.
Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports
Horton’s combination of speed and route-running ability will be a key factor for CSU if they hope to exploit Oregon State’s defense. CSU’s offensive line, however, has struggled at times, and keeping Fowler-Nicolosi protected against Oregon State’s defensive front will be critical.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Oregon State’s Rushing Attack vs. CSU’s Run Defense: The Beavers will look to establish dominance on the ground early, using their offensive line to open up running lanes for Martinez. CSU’s defense has been inconsistent against the run, and if Oregon State can get the ground game going, it will allow them to control the clock and wear down the Rams’ defense.
- CSU Passing Game vs. Oregon State’s Secondary: Fowler-Nicolosi will often be looking to connect with his favorite target, Horton. Oregon State’s secondary, which has allowed some big plays through the air this season, will need to lock down on coverage to prevent CSU from gaining momentum.
Prediction
Oregon State’s balanced offensive approach and superior rushing attack give them the edge in this game.
While CSU’s air raid offense can put up points quickly, the Beavers’ physicality and control of the game’s pace may be too much for the Rams to handle.
Expect Oregon State to pull away, but CSU could keep it competitive with a few explosive plays.
Final Score Prediction:
Oregon State 35, Colorado State 21.
This matchup will give Oregon State a chance to solidify its place as a top team in the Pac-12 while CSU looks to prove it can hang with the higher-tier competition.