2021 Colorado State Football Schedule Rankings
Ranking the Rams schedule from easiest to hardest
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Can the Rams get to bowl eligibility?
The Rams are going to be a wait and see type of team. We don’t have much to go off of from Steve Addazio’s first year thanks to an abbreviated camp and schedule. CSU could be anywhere from the bottom of the conference to having an impact on the championship.
We previously looked at CSU’s schedule using SP+. Now we rank the Rams schedule from easiest to hardest. Some may disagree, but this is where the schedule stands at the moment.
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12. New Mexico
Colorado State has won the last 10 matchups between these two teams. While New Mexico finished the season strong with two wins, they don’t looked to have made enough improvements to beat the Rams. They may pose a challenge, but CSU should walk out with the win.
11. Utah State
This Utah State team is going to be a completely different squad from last year. New head coach Blake Anderson has brought a new attitude to the Aggie football program. CSU has motivation from last year’s cancelled match up and will look to take out their frustration on Utah State.
10. Vanderbilt
This will be a first time matchup for the Rams. Vanderbilt has struggled the past couple of seasons, just as Colorado State has. This one has a twist though, as Vanderbilt hired Joey Lynch away from CSU. Lynch and company will travel to Fort Collins for this game, which should give the Rams the edge.
9. Hawaii
Travel is always going be a factor when facing Hawaii. The Rams travel to Hawaii in the seventh of eight straight games. The Rams bye is in-between their out of conference games and conference schedule. Since Todd Graham has taken over Hawaii has become more of an up-tempo offense and a pressure defense.
8. Wyoming
A rivalry game is never easy. But the teams ranked ahead on this list will provide a bigger challenge for the Rams. Wyoming’s offense will look different from last year when they only threw for one touchdown. The defense will still be the Cowboys biggest strength and cause the biggest issues for the Rams.
7. Nevada
The true test for the Rams defensive backfield. The defensive line and linebackers will be a strength for the Rams. The spread offense that the Wolf Pack run will test if the defensive backs are up to the test. The Wolf Pack’s defense will also test the Rams offensive line.
6. Toldeo
Another defensive test for the Rams. The Rockets were a top 15 offense in the NCAA last year with top 10 passing attack which will test the secondary again. The Rockets are also a balanced team capable of running the ball as well. If the Rams aren’t careful this game could get away from them.
5. San Jose State
The defending Mountain West Champions who return the majority of last year’s squad thanks to the eligibility extension from the NCAA. Nick Starkel returns to lead the Spartans who will be a favorite to win the West division again. This will a litmus test for the Rams.
4. South Dakota State
The FCS runner ups in the spring 2021 FCS season. This game was scheduled a couple years ago, but so are all games on schedules these days. Usually these are buy games, but in this case there won’t be any rest for the wicked as the Rams will need to be up to task if they want a winning record in 2021.
3. Iowa
The Rams are getting a $+1 million payout for this game. We all know Iowa is going to be heavily favored and will probably win as well. But the Rams won’t just let it go easily. Head Coach Steve Addazio will have CSU ready to play and give the Hawkeyes a fight.
2. Air Force
The triple-option. Everyone loves it and hates it. It’s hard to game plan for. Usually teams prepare for it a little bit each week during the season. The Falcons run the offense very well and even in a down year give the Rams a strong test.
1. Boise State
The obvious choice for hardest game on the schedule. The Rams have never beaten the Broncos. If the Rams want to get back to the top of the mountain, they’ll have to beat the team at the top. Boise always has a target on their back and is always prepared for anything teams throw at them.
