Colorado State Look To Chop Down Stanford

The 2-0 Colorado State Rams look to continue their perfect start as they square off against the 3-0 Stanford Cardinal Sunday in Palo Alto, Ca. A win would add a lot of confidence to a squad that is still trying to find it’s identity this season.

In their first road contest of the year, head coach Larry Eustachy will no doubt rely heavily on senior Emmanuel Omogbo who had his first double-double of the season this past week in the 84-75 win over Fort Lewis. Omogbo can’t do it alone and will need the supporting cast to find some consistency shooting the ball from distance if the Rams are to get out of Maples Pavilion with a win. Through the first two games of the season, the Rams are a paltry 6-33 from behind the arc.

The Cardinal are 3-0 under first year head coach Jerod Haase. On the floor they are led by junior forward Reid Travis who is averaging over 20 points a game in Haase’s new offense. Other players to keep an eye on are junior forward Dorian Pickens and junior Michael Humphrey. All big men who can challenge shots down low which is where the Rams strength lies.

Make no mistake, this is a winnable game for Eustachy’s bunch. Unlike a year ago when they relied on outside shooting, this year it’s about getting down into the paint. Omogbo can expect a quick double team by the Cardinal big men any time he gets near the basket which means that sophomore guards Prentiss Nixon and J.D. Paige will have to hit some outside shots early to free up Omogbo inside.

If they can do that and continue their lights out shooting from the free throw line then the Rams have a great shot at pulling the upset.

Game time is scheduled for 4 p.m. MT and can be seen on the Pac 12 Network.