Tag: CSU Rams

Utah State Survives 75-72 At Colorado State

In a battle for 2nd place in the Mountain West, Utah State survived a late CSU run to win 75-72. Sam Merrill led the Aggies with 32 points.

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Utah State Holds On To Win In Fort Collins

The Aggies emerged victorious after a back and forth battle for second place in the Mountain West.

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The Aggies get a resume boosting win.

After a slow first half, this game ended in an exciting finish between two teams battling for second place behind San Diego State. Utah State survived a late second half run from Colorado State to earn a quad two win and boost their NCAA tournament resume.

The first half was a back and forth battle between the Aggies and Rams. Both teams started hot, before a Utah State run put them up by nine. Neemias Queta and Sam Merrill led the Aggies run. While Isaiah Stevens was the Rams leader at half with 11 points.

Queta had eight points and eight rebounds before getting his third foul with four minutes left in the first half. Merrill had 12 points and crossed the 2,000 point barrier in the first half. The Rams had a run at the end of the first half, but Utah State responded to take a seven point lead into half.

The second half was more back and forth. Both CSU and Utah State were on fire in the second half, with both teams shooting plus 50% from the field. CSU shot almost 70% in the second half, but couldn’t get enough stops on defense. Each team went on multiple runs throughout the second half, with Utah State escaping with the win after the Rams’ last gasp run fell short.

Merrill continued to go off, adding 20 points to his first half total to finish with 32 points. Queta was held out early in the second half with foul trouble and only added six more points to his total to finish with 14 points, but did add three rebounds to finish with a double-double.

Colorado State fought hard in the second half, but they let Utah State answer their runs. The Rams had moments in the second half where they would get the game into a one to two possession game and then let up. The Aggies would then respond with a run of their own to grow the lead again.

The Rams had multiple players step up in the second half and ended with four players in double figures. Stevens finished with 19 points, Nico Carvacho finished with 12 points, while both Adam Thistlewood and David Roddy finished with 10 points.

Utah State will stay on the road, as they head to California to face Fresno State. Colorado State will also head on the road as they head north to face Wyoming, in the second half of this year’s Border War.

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UNLV vs Colorado State: Game Preview, Livestream, Odds, & More

The Rams host the Rebels in CSU’s annual Orange Out game. Which team can get a firmer grasp on second place in the Mountain West?

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UNLV vs Colorado State: Game Preview, Livestream, Odds, & More

The Rams host the Rebels in the annual Orange Out

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With second place up for grabs, who can grab the momentum?

WHO: UNLV Rebels (11-11, 6-3 Mountain West) vs. CSU Rams (15-8, 6-4 Mountain West)

WHEN: Saturday, February 1 — 2:00 PM MT/1:00 PM PT

WHERE: Moby Arena; Fort Collins, Colorado (8,083)

Livestream: ESPN3

SERIES RECORD: UNLV leads the series 40-16

ODDS: Rams -6.5 per VegasInsider.com

The Colorado State Rams host the UNLV Rebels in the Rams annual Orange Out game that celebrates the history of CSU with throwback pumpkin and alfalfa colored uniforms. This will be the third Orange Out matchup between the Rebels and Rams. The teams have split the previous two games.

The fabulous freshman are leading this Rams team this season. Isaiah Stevens and David Roddy have been the big contributors, but Dischon Thomas and John Tonje have each played their part. Roddy has really stepped into his starting role and Stevens is coming off a buzzer beater shot to beat Nevada.

Don’t forget about the seniors. While they’ve stayed in the shadows of the freshman at times, they can be just as dangerous. Hyron Edwards is a tenacious defender. Kris Martin can hurt you from deep. And Nico Carvacho will punish you on the boards.

The UNLV Rebels were called the biggest overachievers in the Mountain West this season by ESPN. They were predicted to finish ninth in the conference. Yet, new coach T.J. Otzelberger has this team competing at a high level after a slow start. They even took San Diego State to the limit, only losing by four points in the Rebels last game.

The Rebels are led by guards Amauri Hardy and Bryce Hamilton with both of them averaging over 14 points per game. The Rebels also get significant contributions from Elijah Mitrou-Long, Donnie Tillman, and Cheikh Mbacke Diong. Everyone will need to be on their game against the Rams.

Prediction

This is going to be a dogfight. Both teams don’t shoot it that well from deep, but neither are they afraid to keep shooting it from deep. They also like to battle on the boards. With the Rams having momentum coming into this game, expect them to pull it out in the end.

Rams 76-67 Rebels

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Colorado State Football: Coaching Staff Update

Three position’s on Steve Addazio’s staff have potentially been filled. And others still remain to be filled.

Colorado State Football: Coaching Staff Update

The Colorado State Rams seem to have found their Offensive and Defensive Coordinators

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The Rams coaching staff seems to be coming together.

The Colorado State Rams coaching staff has been a big question for Rams fans these past couple of weeks, as no news seems to have come out. Until now. Three coaches have now been reported to join Steve Addazio’s staff up in Fort Collins.

First is Joey Lynch as offensive coordinator. Lynch has been the offensive coordinator at Ball State for the past six seasons. Lynch hasn’t been confirmed as OC, but Ball State head coach Mike Neu has confirmed Lynch accepted a position at Colorado State. The Ball State offense led the MAC in scoring and total yardage this past season.

Second is Chuck Heater as defensive coordinator. ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg and Football Scoop both say Heater is CSU’s next DC. Heater has been serving in an off the field role at Florida. Before that, he was the safeties coach at Maryland and DC at Marshall, where he shut down the Rams offense for two quarters in the 2017 New Mexico Bowl.

Heater has extensive experience as a DC and with Addazio. He has had a long coaching career including stops at CSU, CU, Washington, Utah, Florida, Temple, Marshall, and Maryland.

Also noted in the Football Scoop article is that Brian White will be joining Steve Addazio in Fort Collins from Boston College. White currently serves as the BC running backs coach and has a long tenure as a successful coach. Some of his players coached include Ron Dayne, Mike Gillislee, and AJ Dillon.

The only other “confirmed” staffer at this point for the Rams is Addazio’s son Louie Addazio, who was the Tight Ends coach at Bowling Green this past season. Head Coach Addazio has said he would like his staff in place before the second recruiting period really gets underway, so we could see more names out soon.

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Colorado vs Colorado State: Game Preview, TV & Radio Schedule, Livestream, Odds, More

The Colorado State Rams host the #24 Colorado Buffaloes in the Rocky Mountain Showdown, basketball edition. Can the Rams pull of the upset?

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Colorado vs Colorado State: Game Preview, TV & Radio Schedule, Livestream, Odds, More

Rocky Mountain Showdown: Basketball Edition

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Can the Rams get a resume building win?

WHO: #24 Colorado Buffaloes (7-2) vs. Colorado State Rams (7-5)

WHEN: Friday, December 13 — 6:00 PM MT/5:00 PM PT

WHERE: Moby Arena; Fort Collins, Colorado (8,745)

TV: CBS Sports Network

STREAM: Get a one-week trial of FuboTV.

RADIO: Colorado | Colorado State

SERIES RECORD: Colorado leads 90-38

ODDS: Colorado -4.5

The Colorado State Rams host the Colorado Buffaloes in the basketball edition of the Rocky Mountain Showdown. The Rams are having their White Out game and will be wearing throwback uniforms.

The Rams are looking to build off of the momentum of a last second win over South Dakota State, while the Buffs are looking to stop a two game losing streak. CU lost to #2 Kansas and Northern Iowa this past week.

Three things the Rams need to do to get a win over the Buffs are contain Tyler Bey, keep up the defensive intensity, and get the seniors going. If the Rams can accomplish these things, they have a chance to send CU back to Boulder with a third loss.

Tyler Bey is the Buffaloes all around player. He leads the Buffs in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks. Bey is also second on the team in assists. The Rams will need to be careful with Bey, as he is very efficient from the field (averages close to 50%) and he gets to the line a lot.

The Rams tend to get lackadaisical on defense, especially in transition. This has cost them wins and has come close to costing them wins. The Rams also need to communicate on defense. Sometimes this young team has a tendency to follow the ball to closely and they forget about the man they are supposed to guard. This upperclassman led Buffs squad will pick this young Rams squad apart if they aren’t careful.

The senior Rams on this team need to calm down a little. They look like antsy freshman out there at times. Nico Carvacho, Hyron Edwards, and Kris Martin are a big part of this squad, but they need to slow it down sometimes and try not to force things. The Rams play best when these guys are all on the same frequency.

There is no question that this Rams team is a young team. They look like that at times, but they also look like a team that has the ability to play with anyone in the country. The Rams will surprise some people this season and this looks to be an opportunity for them to do just that.

CSU 72-65 Colorado

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Colorado State Football: Potential Head Coach Hires

With Mike Bobo reportedly on the outs, here are some potential replacement hires for the Rams from the P5 conferences, G5, and FCS.

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Colorado State Football: Potential Head Coach Hires

With Mike Bobo’s position as CSU head coach up in the air, here are some choices that could replace him.

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Who should the Rams hire to replace Bobo?

Nothing has been officially announced as of yet. But, Football Scoop is reporting that Mike Bobo is going to be let go as the head coach of Colorado State. If that is going to happen here are some potential candidates that could replace him.

ACC: Jay Bateman, Co-Defensive Coordinator, North Carolina

The dream hire would be Brent Venables, the defensive coordinator from Clemson. However that hire would be too much for CSU as Venables has a base salary of $2 million. So next up would be Jay Bateman, the current co-defensive coordinator at North Carolina.

Bateman has come in and improved the defense wherever he has coached at, with Army being his biggest accomplishment. He led Army to a top 10 defense multiple years and he shut out Air Force in 2017 which ended the Falcons’ 306 game scoring streak. He also has head coaching experience, Siena College 2000-03.

Other Options: Dan Enos (Offensive Coordinator, Miami), Phil Longoย  (Offensive Coordinator, North Carolina)

Big 12: Scottie Hazelton, Defensive Coordinator, Kansas State

This name should sound familiar to Mountain West fans. Hazelton was the defensive coordinator for Nevada (2013) and Wyoming (2017-18). Hazelton has had successful stints at multiple stops in his coaching career. With his main success coming as defensive coordinator for North Dakota State.

Hazelton knows the west and knows the Mountain West so he has a leg up on some other candidates. One knock against Hazelton would be his lack of head coaching experience, but sometimes a shot needs to be taken on a coach if a team wants to change.

Other Options: Alex Grinch (Defensive Coordinator, Oklahoma), Tom Manning (Offensive Coordinator, Iowa State), Sean Gleeson (Offensive Coordinator, Oklahoma State)

Big Ten: Kalen DeBoer, Offensive Coordinator, Indiana

Another name with a Mountain West past. DeBoer was the offensive coordinator at Fresno State for two years (2017-18) and his offense’s have improved at each of his stops. His stop at Eastern Michigan saw them go from 18.8 ppg in 2013 to 29.6 ppg in 2016.

His time at Fresno State saw them averaging 34.6 ppg by the end of his tenure. DeBoer does have head coaching experience at NAIA Sioux Falls. You can knock him for coaching at that level, but you can’t deny his success. DeBoer was 67-3 during his tenure at Sioux Falls, with three NAIA National Championships.

Other Options: Josh Gattis (Offensive Coordinator, Michigan), Greg Mattison (Co-Defensive Coordinator, Ohio State), Tony Alford (Assistant Head Coach, Ohio State)

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Colorado State vs Boise State: Three Keys To Victory

Can the Rams pull of fan upset over Boise State?

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Colorado State Keys To Victory

Rams Look To End Broncos New Years 6 Hopes

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WEEK 14: Colorado State Rams (4-7, 3-4 Mountain West) vs. Boise State Broncos (10-1, 7-0 Mountain West)

WHEN: Friday, November 29 โ€” 1:30 PM MT/12:30 PM PT

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

TV: CBS Sports Network

STREAMING: FuboTV – Watch for free with a seven-day trial

RADIO: Colorado State | Boise State

SERIES RECORD: Boise State has never lost to Colorado State. The series currently stands at 8-0.

WEBSITES: CSURams.com, the official Colorado State athletics website | BroncoSports.com, the official Boise State athletics website

ODDS (via OddsShark): Boise State -13.5

Three Keys to a Colorado State Victory

1. Play Like There Is No Tomorrow

One of the fatalistic things about college football is that one it’s done, it really is done. 13 seniors will play their final game in a Colorado State uniform and some may never get the chance to put on pads and play the game of football again. Ever.

Colorado State is going to need to remember that when they take the field on Friday. There truly is no tomorrow for some of these players. This is the final competitive football they will ever play and they get to go out by playing against one of the better football teams in the country. So play fast, free and hard.

From a coaching perspective, they have to pull out all the stops but still be smart. Surprise the Broncos at every turn and sometimes just man up and beat them at the point of attack. Keep Boise State on their heels and make the key adjustments as the game goes on.

2. Pray For Breaks

It is unlikely that Colorado State is going to beat Boise State in a straight up match up. Especially when you consider that the fact that Colorado State has continually shot itself in the foot with penalties at key times and with turnovers. They are going to need some help from Boise State if they are to beat the Mountain Division champs. If and when the Rams get those breaks whether it’s a fumble, shanked punt, of a penalty of some kind, the Rams have to turn it into points. Preferably touchdowns cause, well, the kicking game hasn’t exactly been a lock this season.

3. Pride

The Rams are staying home for the holidays for the second year in a row. While it’s been a down two years for the program, there is still pride left and that is the final ingredient to pulling off an upset. Pride in knowing that a win against Boise State will be the first one for Colorado State and a loss would ruin any chance Boise State has in getting to the Cotton Bowl. Pride in sending out the seniors in their final game with a win.

Prediction

This isn’t the Boise State of Kellen Moore and Doug Martin. The Broncos have had issues winning football games on the road this season. They had to come from behind against Florida State, San Jose State and lost at BYU. This is no gimme for Boise State but there is too much on the line for them to not pull it out. BOISE STATE 37 – COLORADO STATE 28

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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.

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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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Arkansas State vs. Colorado State: Game Preview, Radio Schedule, Livestream, Odds, More

Colorado State gets another test before heading to the Cayman Islands. Can this young Rams continue the growth they shown so far?

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Arkansas State vs. Colorado State: Game Preview, Radio Schedule, Livestream, Odds, More

The Rams look to continue their momentum heading towards the Cayman Islands Classic.

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Can the Rams take down a hot Arkansas State team?

WHO: Arkansas Stat Red Wolves (4-1) vs. Colorado State Rams (3-1)

WHEN: Wednesday, November 20 — 7:00 PM MT/6:00 PM PT

WHERE: Moby Arena; Fort Collins, Colorado (8,745)

STREAM: Mountain West Network

RADIO: Arkansas State | Colorado State

SERIES RECORD: Colorado State leads the series 3-0

ODDS: Colorado State -12.5 per VegasInsider.com

The Colorado State Rams have come back strong after a blowout loss to Duke. The Rams beat Omaha 80-65 and had a nice 75-65 road win over Loyola Marymount. Nico Carvacho had a nice game against Omaha, going for 21 points, 19 rebounds, and five assists. Isaiah Stevens got the spotlight against LMU, going for 21 points, five rebounds, and five assists.

The Arkansas State Red Wolves come to Fort Collins riding a three game win streak. Since a 28 point loss to Ole Miss, the Red Wolves beat VMI, UC Davis, and Idaho by an average margin of 14 points. Canberk Kus leads Arkansas State in scoring at 14.6 ppg. The Red Wolves leading rebounder is Malik Brevard at 8.6 rpg.

The CSU Rams are going to have a length disadvantage in the majority of their matchups this season. However they should matchup well against the Red Wolves, with Kus being the only guard above 6’2″ that sees regular playing time for Arkansas State.

The Rams can’t take anyone for granted, especially with such a young team. They will need to compete like every game is the last one they will play this season. If Carvacho can be his double-double machine self and the freshman continue their growth, the Rams are going to be dangerous. Expect the Rams to continue their winning streak heading into the Cayman Islands Classic.

Rams 75-62 Arkansas State

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Air Force Explodes In Second Half To Beat Colorado State 38-21

Colorado State did not have enough to defeat Air Force.

Rams Offense Gets Stuck In Neutral And Defense Out To Dry

Air Force Defeats Colorado State For The Fourth Year In A Row

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A Complete Breakdown

The Colorado State defense did its part for as long as it could. They were disciplined, getting off the field on third down and even created a couple of turnovers but the Colorado State offense didn’t help them out. Every time the Rams defense stuffed Air Force, the Rams offense would come out and lay an egg. As the game wore on the defense wore down and they eventually broke.

The offensive breakdown can be pointed to one place, the offensive line. While quarterback Patrick O’Brien took some unnecessary sacks, a few times he was running for his life as the Air Force pass rush blew through a porous Rams line. In the end, Air Force recorded eight sacks. They had 14 all season coming into the game.

Missed Opportunities

The Rams let Air Force hang around for too long. While an Air Force fumble on their opening drive led to a 63 yard scoop and score for linebacker Mohamed Kamara, the Rams were unable to capitalize on solid defensive performance early.

The insult to injury was the 99 yard pick six by Air Force defensive back Zane Lewis as O’Brien was trying to pull Colorado State within a score late in the fourth quarter.

After going up 14-0, the Rams were then outscored 38-7 and likely saw their slim bowl game chances disappear into the cold Fort Collins night.

TWO SIDES OF A QB

Patrick O’Brien was at best, off. While the opening drive of the game was a 14 play gem capped off by nice throwback tight end screen for a touchdown, O’Brien was more off than he was on the rest of the game. He fumbled a few times, took unnecessary sacks and looked to be trying too hard to place the ball rather than throwing it.

In O’Brien’s defense, the pass protection deteriorated as the game went on but O’Brien was able to make some throws late to keep things interesting. In the end, O’Brien did not look like the same quarterback we saw against Fresno State or UNLV.

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Air Force vs Colorado State: Three Keys to a Rams Win

CSU has chance to gain bowl eligibility by winning two out of their last three games. Can the Rams beat the Falcons to move a step closer?

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Air Force vs Colorado State: Three Keys to a Rams Win

The Rams have a chance to move closer to bowl eligibility

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Can the Rams beat a rival?

WEEK 12: Air Force Falcons (7-2, 4-1 Mountain West) vs Colorado State Rams (4-5, 3-2 Mountain West)

WHEN: Saturday, November 16th — 5:00 PM MT/4:00 PM PT

WHERE: Canvas Stadium; Fort Collins, Colorado (41,000)

TV: ESPN2

RADIO: Air Force | Colorado State

SERIES RECORD: This will be the 58th matchup between the two teams. Air Force currently leads the series 35-21-1

WEBSITES: GoAirForceFalcons.com, the official Air Force athletics website | CSURams.com, the official Colorado State athletics website

ODDS (via OddsShark): Air Force -10

SP+ PROJECTION: Air Force by 14.1 (79% win probability)

FEI PROJECTION: Air Force by 20.2

The Colorado State Rams have a chance to gain bowl eligibility by winning two out of their last three games. This week, the Air Force Falcons and their option offense are standing in their way.

After games where the Rams let the Falcons score 40+ points, last season CSU kept the game close, losing 27-19. This season the Rams are riding high on a resurgent defense in conference play. Here’s how CSU can beat the Falcons.

Three Keys to a Colorado State Victory

1. Contain the fullback dive.

The Rams have had the fullback dive drilled into their heads over the past two weeks. “Every day. Every time I walk in the building,” defensive tackle Ellison Hubbard told CSURams.com. “We’re going to hear fullback dive, dive, just dive, dive, dive. We’re going to hear it.”

CSU gave up 260 yards and a touchdown to Cole Fagan last year. Fagan is no longer with the team, but the fullback still plays a big role in the offense with two of the Falcons top three rushers being fullbacks. The Rams need to limit the damage down from the Falcons fullback if they want to win.

2. The defense needs to stay with their assignments.

The Air Force Falcons are an extremely disciplined football team; which comes as a result of their daily military training. They know their assignments and they know how to execute to make a team pay for their mistakes.

If the Rams are to walk away with a victory, they cannot freelance anything. If the CSU defense tries to get cute, the Falcons will break open a big, chunk yards play. The Rams will need to play smash mouth, keep on assignment football to beat the Falcons.

3. Get the running game going.

The Air Force Falcons defense against the run ranks ninth in the country, allowing only 96.8 yards per game. The Rams rushing attack is currently averaging 156.6 yards per game. Something has to give on Saturday and the Rams are hoping it everything falls their way.

Colorado State’s leading rusher, Marvin Kinsey, was suspended and eventually let go from the team. However, the Rams rushing attacked hasn’t faltered at all with Marcus McElroy being the one to step up and take on the roll of a bell cow. McElroy will need to play a big role if the Rams are to win.

Prediction

This game is always a toss-up as to who wins. Yes, Air Force has won more often than not. But the results have varied widely from blowouts by both sides to three-point victories by both sides. The Rams have the ability and talent to match up well against Air Force, it’s just a matter of execution. Expect the Rams to be on after the bye week and win a close game.

CSU 38, Air Force 35

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