Hawai’i vs. Colorado State: CSU Keys, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction
The Rams and Rainbow Warriors battle in the Sickos Game of the Week
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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.
As we 𝗧𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 as a part of Saturday's game, our captains got to visit cancer warriors at @UCHealth's Poudre Valley Hospital.
You're an inspiration to us 𝗮𝗹𝗹‼️#Stalwart x #TackleCancer pic.twitter.com/IGcfsHTUGf
— Colorado State Football ⛰️ (@CSUFootball) October 20, 2022
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.
.@Avery25_THEKING was not going to be denied!#Stalwart x #RamGrit 🐏 pic.twitter.com/uQgnHz60k4
— Colorado State Football ⛰️ (@CSUFootball) October 19, 2022
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
