New Mexico vs. Colorado State: CSU Keys, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction
The Rams play in Canvas one last time in 2022
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Can the Rams end the season on a high note?
WEEK 13: New Mexico Lobos (2-9, 0-7 MW) vs. Colorado State Rams (2-9, 2-5 MW)
WHEN: Friday, November 25th — 1:30 p.m. MST / 12:30 p.m. PST
WHERE: Canvas Stadium; Fort Collins, CO (36,500)
WEATHER: Clear Sky, high of 58 degrees
TV: CBS Sports Network
STREAMING: Fans can sign up to receive a free one-week trial of Fubo, which includes CBS Sports Network, by following this link.
RADIO: K99-FM 99.1 / ESPN 1600 AM
SERIES RECORD: This will be the 68th all time matchup between the two schools. CSU leads the series 43-25.
LAST MEETING: Colorado State won 36-7 in Albuquerque
WEBSITES: GoLobos.com, the official Wyoming athletics website | CSURams.com, the official Colorado State athletics website
GAME NOTES (PDF): New Mexico | Colorado State
ODDS: Colorado State -7.5
OVER/UNDER: 35
SP+ PROJECTION: Colorado State by 4.3
FEI PROJECTION: Colorado State by 4.8
PARKER FLEMING PROJECTION: Colorado State has a 58.32% win probability (26.15-23.25)
Colorado State lost another rivalry game last week. This one a 24-12 loss to Air Force. The Rams let the game get away from them in the first half before getting on the scoreboard in the second half. The Rams had multiple opportunities to show something but, like a broken record, couldn’t finish when given the opportunity.
Danny Gonzales is in his third year in charge of the Lobos. Under his stead, the Lobos have amased a 7-23 record. Rocky Long has been the Lobos defensive coordinator and they shown improvement on that side of the ball. However, the offensive side of the ball hasn’t seen similar improvement.
Last practice for our 17 Seniors today. We started a new CSU tradition of the “Senior Hit”. Each Senior got to take their last hit in Canvas Stadium before their last game. Thank You Seniors! Happy Thanksgiving!🦃🍁#Stalwart #RamGrit🐏 pic.twitter.com/cHF5zb3lmh
— Jay Norvell (@CoachJayNorvell) November 24, 2022
Now to the keys to victory for the Rams.
Three Keys to a colorado state victory
1. Take advantage of what is given to you
Rocky Long’s defenses have alway been tough. So in order to beat them the Rams have to take advantage of what the Lobos’ defense gives them. Whether that’s the underneath routes and a strong running game or they challenge you to beat them over the top, the Rams need to not force the issue.
Against Hawai’i, the Rainbow Warriors started playing three high safeties to take away the deep ball. Jay Norvell and the coaches adjusted to start using underneath routes and it helped them drive down the field to score the winning touchdown. Against the Lobos, the Rams will need to do something similar and take what they give them.
2. Know your assignment OL & communicate
The 3-3-5 defense is basically organized chaos. It’s designed to confuse an offense as a blitz can come from anywhere. Struggling is an understatment when it comes to the Rams OL this year. CSU has given up 55 sacks in 11 games and against a chaos defense they need to step up.
The Rams haven’t started the same line two weeks in a row all season. Now they need to step up and communicate handoffs. They can’t just sit there and block the guy in front of them. The Rams need to keep their heads up and be prepared to peel off and pick up the late blitzer.
Family Time 😁🎳#Stalwart x #RamGrit 🐏 pic.twitter.com/po1yMSEyFn
— Colorado State Football (@CSUFootball) November 22, 2022
3. Have Fun
Tory Horton getting 1,000 yards last week pushed the Rams to eight straight seasons of having a 1,000 yard receiver. Avery Morrow has stepped up in conference play and become a bell cow carrier for the Rams. Clay Millen has a chance to set the CSU single season completion percentage record.
It hasn’t been the best season, but the Rams can finish it out strong. Have some fun with it and show what the offense can be. We’ve seen glimpses and the team reacts positively. If the Rams have some fun with it and can keep the sideline up, this will be a good way to end the season.
what will happen
It’s the end of a long season for both teams and they’re both looking to end it on a high note. The Rams have shown they can be a good team on both sides of the ball, while the Lobos have only shown it on the defensive side. CSU finally breaks out and gets above 20 points for the first time all year.
Final Score: Colorado State 21, New Mexico 14
