Northern Colorado (0-1) at Colorado State (0-1)
When/where: Saturday, 5 p.m./Canvas Stadium
TV/Radio: Altitude/Rams Radio Network
BetMGM Line: Not line available
Weather: 63 degrees and clear at kickoff
Three storylines
The Rams’ Response: No one was expecting CSU to march into Austin and beat No. 4 Texas, but what happened last weekend set off a flurry of worry for the rest of the season. This third year under head coach Jay Norvell is supposed to be a breakout season, so in that vein, the Rams were supposed to show at least some flashes of promise against a premier opponent. Instead, they completely flopped and looked like an FCS team. Norvell needs to fire up his squad to come out with a blowout of their own this Saturday.
Tory Horton Factor: With CU and the Rocky Mountain Showdown looming next Saturday, CSU star wideout Tory Horton needs to get his sea legs under him and rip off a big performance against what will be an undermanned UNC secondary. Horton had five catches for just 31 yards in the 52-0 beatdown by Texas, with his long being a 10-yard reception. The Rams will need Horton to be a vertical threat to beat the Buffs, so this Saturday presents a chance for the playmaker to get in rhythm before the rivalry game.
CSU’s D-front: After recording only one sack against Texas, the Rams’ D-line needs a coming-out party. Norvell insists that the Rams, who graduated their dominant pass-rusher from last year in Mohamed Kamara, still have plenty of firepower to get after the QB. This Saturday is the time to see it. Redshirt sophomore Nuer Gatkuoth, who missed the Texas game with turf toe, will be out again, so others must step up. And the Rams need to contain UNC’s top tailback Vann Schield, a transfer from CSU.
Predictions
Kyle Newman, sportswriter: CSU 42, Northern Colorado 7
After last weekend’s disaster in Austin, anything but a blowout of the Bears (who haven’t won a road game since Sept. 17, 2022) is concerning. CSU’s offense finds a rhythm early, with Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi throwing four TDs in the first half while the run game gets going. Defensively, the Rams generate three turnovers to help fuel the blowout, and their starters don’t play the final quarter.
Sean Keeler, sports columnist: CSU 35, Northern Colorado 14
The Rammies need to swing the hammer to get the taste of Texas out of everybody’s mouths. WIll Rock Canyon alum and UNC tailback Vann Schield get a measure of revenge on his former teammates and against former CSU coach, Jay Norvell? Probably not. But based on what we saw — or rather, what we didn’t see — last week in Austin, don’t be shocked if he finds the end zone at least once.
Matt Schubert, sports editor: CSU 34, Northern Colorado 13
This is what’s known as a “get right game.” CSU’s opener in Austin provided almost zero reason for optimism. But much like the Rams did after a poor Week 1 performance last season against Washington State, they will find a way to rebound on Saturday. The Bears have nothing to lose, but also not as much talent. The big question is whether or not the Rams can jump out ahead early enough that Jay Norvell doesn’t have to reveal too much of his playbook ahead of the Showdown.
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