Colorado State vs New Mexico: Winners & Losers
The Rams walked out of Albuquerque with a 35-21 victory
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Who impressed and who didn’t between the Rams and Lobos?
The Colorado State Rams got their first win over an FBS school in 364 days Friday, as they beat the New Mexico Lobos 35-21. There were some performances on both sides of the ball that made impressions. Here are the winners and losers from this game.
Winner: Warren Jackson
The Rams number one receiver had missed the previous two games after injuring his shoulder against Toldeo. Jackson showed what the Rams were missing in those two games, as he finished with nine catches for 214 yards and two scores.
Winner/Loser: Bryson Carroll
The New Mexico running back had himself a day against this Rams defense. Carroll finished with 26 carries for 194 yards and a score. However, his performance was overshadowed by a mistake that went viral.
There is a secondary loser here. The Rams defense failed to pick up the ball and this gave the Lobos the ball at the one yard line. Where they punched it in for a score one play later.
Loser: Colorado State Turnovers
With two fumbles, the Rams had the dubious honor of committing the most turnovers in the NCAA. The Rams have committed 18 turnovers, with 12 fumbles lost and 6 interceptions. After Saturday’s games, they are now second to last in turnovers lost.
Winner: Colorado State Receivers
This Rams offense can go in a hurry when given the opportunity. And the receivers play a big part in that. Colorado State has two receivers in the top 20 in receiving yards in the NCAA. Warren Jackson (#20) has 40 receptions for 541 yards and five scores. And Dante Wright (#12) has 37 receptions for 592 yards and three scores.
Loser: New Mexico Football Against Colorado State
The past 10 years haven’t been kind to the Lobos program against Colorado State. The last Lobos win against the Rams came in 2009. The then Mike Locksley led Lobos beat the Steve Fairchild led Rams 29-27 in Albuquerque.
Winner: Patrick O’Brien
The Nebraska transfer was thrust into the starting job when Collin Hill went down with an ACL tear. O’Brien got off to a hot start against Toldeo, but struggled against Utah State and San Diego State. This game against the Lobos allowed him gain some confidence back.
Loser: Marvin Kinsey
Marvin Kinsey is a good running back who just happens to have a bad case of butter fingers. Kinsey is eighth in the country in rushing with 703 yards and six touchdowns. However, his number of fumbles outnumbers his touchdowns, seven to six. Coach Mike Bobo wants to give him the ball more, but is hesitant because of Kinsey’s tendency to put the ball on the ground.
