Colorado State Loses Overtime Heartbreaker to Minnesota 23-20

Colorado State had Minnesota where they wanted them. In front of a sell out crowd, the Rams had the chance to pull off a big upset. However you can't turn over the ball four times and expect to win  Minnesota's offense was was struggling and the Rams offense wasn't doing much better. This was a defensive battle in which ultimately is an advantage for the Golden Gophers. However the Rams defense held their own, forcing Minnesota to put seven times in the first half. The offenses on both sides struggled throughout the game, with the Rams holding a 7-6 lead at halftime.

The Rams got on the board first when Dalyn Dawkins scored a 17 yard touchdown. However on the prior drive Nick Stevens threw an interception on the opening drive but the defense forced a Minnesota punt. Stevens struggled throughout the first half, and that could be credited to the Gopher defense. The Rams were without All American receiver Rasard Higgins, but players like Xavier Williams and Joe Hansley played great games. Minnesota finally scored a touchdown in the 3rd quarter taking a 10-7 lead on a 38 yard touchdown pass.

Nick Stevens couldn't find a rhythm throughout the first half. and he was pulled for second string redshirt freshmen Coleman Key to provide a spark. Stevens turned the ball over three times with two interceptions and a fumble. Key was able to get the ball moving when he came in but points came at a premium. Both defenses were exceptional, as the Rams added a field goal after a Minnesota turnover. Minnesota had a 13-10 lead heading into the fourth, which was a quarter filled with excitement.

Coleman Key threw a 49 yard touchdown to Joe Hansley to give the Rams a 17-13, and the crowd at Hughes was going wild. The defense continued to hold their own throughout the quarter until Minnesota's final drive. Rams fans were believing they were going to pull off a huge upset. When Minnesota quarterback Mitch Leider, who struggled all game put together a long drive to put the Golden Gophers up 20-17 with under a minute left. The Rams marched down field, aided by a questionable pass interference call for a Wyatt Bryan field goal as time expired to tie the game.

The Rams got the ball to start the overtime period, but gave the ball to Minnesota on the first play of Overtime. Dalyn Dawkins received the ball on a slip screen and was immediately hit fumbling the ball to the defense. It was technically an interception because the ball never hit the ground though. Minnesota used their size to get the ball down to the two yard line to kick a game winning 18 yard field goal. Rams fans left with their hearts broken but optimistic, as the team fought their hearts out.

The Rams get the hated Colorado Buffaloes this week at Sports Authority Field in Denver. The Gophers take on Kent State. These two teams will play at Minnesota in September of 2016.