Colorado State (2-1 overall, 0-0 Mountain West) at Minnesota (2-0 overall, 0-0 Big Ten)
When: Saturday, 11:00 a.m. CT – Minneapolis, Minn.
Stadium: TCF Bank Stadium (50,805)
TV/Radio: ESPNU, KFAN 100.3 FM
Coach: Mike Bobo (2nd season)
Spread: Minnesota -16.5, o/u: 56
INSIDE THE GAME
Rams at a Glance
Colorado State is 0-3 all-time against the Golden Gophers, including a 23-20 overtime loss, last season.
The Rams defense has been consistently making plays behind the line of scrimmage this season. CSU ranks in the top-30 nationally in sacks per game (3.0) and tackles for loss (7.7).
Keep an eye on No. 33 Kevin Davis. The 6-foot-2, 240-pound linebacker has been a terror for opposing offenses. Davis opened the season with a 19-tackle performance against rival Colorado. The senior has racked up 32 tackles, 3 sacks, and 5 ½ tackles for loss through the first three games.
Colorado State boasts a strong special teams unit. The Rams return Ray Guy finalist and All-America punter, Hayden Hunt, who may be the best in the country at his position. Kicker Wyatt Bryan has made all five of his field goal attempts this season, including a 53-yarder. It’s tough to beat kicking 5,000 feet above sea level.
Coach Speak
“I guess we’ve caught the ball pretty good. We spend a lot of time in the red zone at practice. But on the other side, we ain’t done as good in the red zone as I’d like.”– Tracy Claeys on the offensive red zone success
“Minnesota is physical, they are fast, they are well-coached. They are the best defensive team we’ve played since I’ve been here.” – CSU offensive coordinator Will Friend
STORYLINE CENTRAL
Kelly Lyell of the Coloradoan has an interesting story on the Rams’ defensive plan for the Gophers. Working off a successful half against Texas San-Antonio, Colorado State will look to mix things up and keep the Gopher offense on its toes.
Sam Sherwyn from Mile High Sports wrote a short story to go with a quick highlight from Rams’ freshman quarterback Collin Hill. Granted, it was against Northern Colorado, but Hill was dominant; going 21/27 for 315 yards and four touchdowns and added a rushing score for good measure.
Getting an outside perspective of your team is always good. Eric Wolf from the Rocky Mountain Collegian provides a Rams’ view of the Maroon and Gold. Even after a dominant last game by Leidner and the offense, it’s Minnesota’s defense that sticks out to Colorado State.
WHO WINS?
The Gophers Win If…
They can get to the quarterback. With Hill starting in just his second game, the Gophers want to get in his face and rattle him early. They’ve done well so far, averaging three sacks per game, but the Rams movers up front look formidable. Through three games, Colorado State has allowed just four sacks. If Minnesota can put pressure on Hill, they can make it a long game for the freshman.
The Rams Win If…
They can exploit Minnesota’s depleted cornerback group. Two of the Gophers’ top three corners are still suspended, leaving a host of inexperienced DBs highlighting the two-deep. If Colorado State can keep Hill upright (see above), he has a chance to once again wow Rams fans.