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Gameday Essentials: Colorado State vs. Boise State
The Rams travel to the Blue to take on the Broncos
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Friday Night Division Showdown on the Blue Turf
Disclaimer: While this article is a ‘neutral conference article’ on Mountain West Wire, I am a Boise State graduate
What a difference a year makes. Last season Colorado State held a 28-3 lead over Boise State before collapsing in the second half as the Broncos made a remarkable comeback to win in overtime. Had Colorado State won last year, they would have represented the Mountain Division in the conference championship game.
With both teams at 2-1 in conference play in 2018, Colorado State (3-3) and Boise State (4-2) will both be looking to win this key conference game to make a run at the divisional title. While the Rams have yet to defeat the Broncos, this matchup has become a spirited rivalry and many will be watching this game on national television on Friday night.
Date: Friday, October 19, 2018
Where: Boise, ID
When: 7:00 PM MST
Spread: Boise State -23.5 (via Vegas Insiders)
Weather: 68 degrees, no chance of rain (via weather.com)dd
How to Watch: ESPN2
Stream: FuboTV, get a seven-day free trial.
All Time Record: Boise State 7-0 Colorado State
Last Meeting: Boise State 59, Colorado State 52 on November 11, 2017 at Fort Collins, CO
Colorado State Update
Colorado State did not start the year the way they had hoped to. After losing a close game to Hawaii to start the year at home, the Rams stumbled to a 1-4 record which included a blowout loss to in-state rival Colorado and was handed a humiliating defeat from FCS opponent, Illinois State.
Colorado State was able to rebound the next 2 weeks with a pair of conference wins. With a passing attack that has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency combined with a struggling rushing attack; Colorado State has not been the explosive offense many had hoped. Meanwhile, Colorado State ranks 120th in FBS in defense in yards allowed.
Boise State Update
The Broncos entered the year with quite a bit of hype and were ranked 22 in the AP poll. After dismantling UConn and Troy, Boise State was soundly beaten by Oklahoma State. The Broncos have since won 2 of their next 3 games and stand at 4-2 overall.
Injuries have slowed a defense that was expected to be dominant and the offensive line has not played up to usual standards. Despite some setbacks, Boise State still features arguably the most talented team in the conference and the Broncos have several weapons and playmakers on both sides of the ball. Boise State stands at 32nd in offense and 22nd in defense in total yards for the season.
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Rams to Watch
K.J. Karta Samuels, Senior Quarterback
A graduate transfer from Washington, Karta Samuels has put up some big raw numbers in 2018 so far with 1934 yards and 16 touchdowns versus 6 interceptions. Karta Samuels has been uneven for the season however with just a 61 completion percentage and will have to avoid mistakes during this tough road challenge.
Izzy Matthews, Senior Running Back
Matthews leads the Rams with 425 yards for the season but Colorado State’s rushing attack has not been too powerful this season. Matthews is averaging 3.9 yards per carry but has only had 1 100 yard game in 2018.
Preston Williams, Junior Wide Receiver
Replacing all conference wide receiver Michael Gallup is no easy task but Williams, a Tennessee transfer, has played very well. The most dangerous weapon in the Rams arsenal, Williams has 671 yards and 7 touchdowns for the year.
Caleb Smith, Senior Defensive End
Getting pressure on Boise State will be a focal point and the senior Smith will shoulder that responsibility. Smith has 23 tackles and 2 sacks for the year.
Jordan Fogal, Senior Cornerback
Fogal is a good athlete and solid cover cornerback for the Rams. Fogal has 2 interceptions and 29 tackles and will be needed to limit a powerful Boise State passing attack.
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