Rumors of Colorado State’s demise were greatly exaggerated. The Rams lost three of their first four games and looked like they were in for a down year, but everything changed when Fresno State took its five-game winning streak to Fort Collins, Colorado, last week.
The Rams forced four turnovers, including a fumble that was returned 36 yards for a touchdown, and held the Bulldogs to 119 rushing yards in a 49-21 win. Colorado State head coach Jay Norvell said the peaks and valleys of any football season offer his players a valuable life lesson.
“I think life is about good times and bad times,” Norvell said on Monday. “We always prepare for the down times. We prepare for them because we know they’re coming, and how we respond is what matters. I’m proud of how our guys responded last week.”
Norvell, whose seat is probably as hot as any coach in the Mountain West, hopes his squad finds a way to respond again when Hawaii comes to town on Saturday.
Running back Justin Marshall got things started for the Rams (1-4, 1-1 Mountain West) last week with a 73-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Quarterback Jackson Brousseau threw three touchdown passes, and the defense intercepted Fresno State quarterback EJ Warner three times.
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Hawaii (5-2, 2-1) is coming off a 44-26 win over Utah State. Quarterback Micah Alejado completed 34 of 54 passes for 413 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Pofele Ashlock led the passing attack with eight catches for 113 yards and three touchdowns. Fellow receiver Jackson Harris added seven grabs for 117 yards, posting his second straight 100-yard game.
Hawaii vs. Colorado State Betting Odds
Colorado State is a 2.5-point college football betting odds favorite on BetMGM as of this writing, and the Over/Under is 53.5 points. The moneyline is at -135 for Colorado State and +110 for Hawaii.
Hawaii vs. Colorado State Prediction
I predict Hawaii wins 30-21.
I think Alejado looks like he’s going to be a star in the Mountain West, and the Rainbow Warriors’ passing attack has been almost unstoppable. Hawaii ranks No. 2 in the conference with 295 passing yards a game and 14 touchdown passes. Ashlock has hauled in six of those and ranks No. 2 in the conference with 46 catches.
I think that passing attack is going to be too much for Colorado State to handle, unless the Rams’ defense forces a few more turnovers. Brousseau has been an upgrade at quarterback, but I expect the running game will need to continue to produce if the Rams are going to salvage their season.
Wyoming vs. Air Force
How to watch: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network
Betting line: Air Force is a 4.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 58.5 points.
Prediction: I predict Air Force wins 27-14. The Falcons’ triple option is up to its old tricks. Air Force leads the Mountain West with 276 rushing yards a game, but there’s a new wrinkle to the offense. Quarterback Liam Szarka has thrown eight touchdown passes, which is more than any Air Force quarterback has thrown in a season since 2019. I expect wide receiver Cade Harris to be a big part of the game plan again. He leads the Falcons with 492 receiving yards and has added 235 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
Nevada vs. New Mexico
How to watch: 9:45 p.m. ET, FS1
Betting line: New Mexico is an 11.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under 49.5 points.
Prediction: I predict New Mexico wins 20-14, but I don’t think the Lobos cover the spread. Running backs Damon Bankston and Scottre Humphrey have carried the offense so far this season, but Arizona transfer Dorian Thomas has emerged as one of the best tight ends in the conference. I anticipate New Mexico is going to have its hands full against pass rushers Dylan LaBarbera and Jonathan Maldonado, but Nevada is going to struggle to move the ball against the Lobos’ defense.
