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Location: Canvas Stadium (Fort Collins, CO)
Date/Time: Saturday, November 17th at 12:00 p.m. (MDT)
Television: AT&T SportsNet
Streaming: Facebook (Stadium)
Radio: Aggie Sports Network (92.3 FM local)
Head-to-Head: Colorado State leads the all-time series 39-33-2. The Rams have won the last two matchups.
What to look for:
- Encore performance for the Utah State offense?
o After a record-setting day for the Aggies offense, can they keep up the pace? The chances are high, as Colorado State’s defensive numbers (463 YPG, 38.5 PPG) are quite similar to San Jose State’s (496 YPG, 38.7 PPG). The Rams have allowed their opponents to score 30 or more points in every game but one this season, a 20-18 win over New Mexico in Week 6.
- Can the Aggie defense contain the Carta-Samuels to Williams connection?
o While everyone can and will consider this season a dud for CSU, a bright spot has been the play of QB K.J. Carta-Samuels and WR Preston Williams. Carta-Samuels has thrown for 2,172 yards and 18 TDs. Williams is the team’s leading receiver with 1,020 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. The Aggies have had a tough time containing explosive wide receivers, so if by some chance the offense is off of its game, the Aggie defense will have to step up and keep these guys in check.
- How many more yards/scores can Darwin Thompson pile up?
o Aggies RB Darwin Thompson has been electric this year, posting team highs in rushing yards (842) and total TDs (16; 14 rushing and two receiving). The CSU defense currently allows an average of 210 rushing yards. Thompson, along with fellow speedster Gerold Bright, must be chomping at the bit to get on the field. They’re sure to have one heck of a day.
PREDICTION:
- I think the talent of Carta-Samuels keeps this game close early, but that Rams defense is just so porous that I can certainly see Jordan Love tossing another 400+ yard game. If that doesn’t happen, then chances are Thompson and Bright will run wild. Still, I think the Rams get some points on a shaky USU defense. If you’re the betting type, take the Over on this one.
FINAL SCORE: Utah State 56, Colorado State 27
What’re your thoughts on the game? Let us know in the comments.
Follow Alex Eiden (UnderDogsAlways) on Twitter @alexyatta_ and follow the MountainWestConnection @MWCConnection