Colorado State vs. Air Force Prediction, Game Preview


Colorado State vs. Air Force prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins Saturday night’s matchup between the Rams and Falcons.


When: Saturday, Nov. 12 – 10:15 p.m. ET
Where: Falcon Stadium, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado
TV Broadcast: ESPNU

Colorado State (5-4) hasn’t quite had a smooth ride this season. It’s been plagued by injuries like many others, but the Rams have won back-to-back games for the second time this season. Mike Bobo’s team took down UNLV on the road three weeks ago, recovered with a bye week and then beat Fresno State  last weekend, 37-0.

As for the Falcons (6-3), they, too, are trying to make it three wins in a row. However, they were riding a four-game winning streak to start the season before dropping three in a row during October. In the past two weeks, though, Air Force has taken down Fresno State and Army — both on the road.

The all-time series between the Rams and Falcons is leaning Air Force’s way, 32-21-1. Although, Colorado State took last season’s matchup in Fort Collins, 38-23.

What To Know About Colorado State

In its win over the Bulldogs, the Rams got a great game from Nick Stevens. He completed 18-of-23 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns. Stevens hooked up with Michael Gallup nine times for 126 yards and one of those touchdowns. The other one was caught by Anthony Hawkins, who finished with only the one catch for 14 yards.

Colorado State did distribute carries in the running game fairly evenly, and it worked out. Marvin Kinsey Jr. was given 10 carries, and he rushed for 83 yards and a touchdown. Izzy Matthews toted the rock over the goal line twice en route to 55 yards on 10 attempts. Dalyn Dawkins didn’t find his way into the end zone, but he did take his 10 carries for 35 rushing yards.

What to Know About Air Force

With Nate Romine hobbled with an ankle injury, the Falcons turned to Arion Worthman in their win over Army. He connected on 6-of-9 passes for 195 yards and a touchdown. That single scoring throw went to Jacobi Owens for 46 yards, which was his only catch. Jalen Robinette led the team with three receptions for 104 yards.

Owens and Worthman stole the show through Air Force’s running attack, though. The former ran for 106 yards on 12 carries but didn’t find his way into the end zone on the ground. Worthman, on the other hand, did find six points as well as 63 rushing yards off of 19 carries. Timothy McVey added 35 rushing yards and a touchdown on seven carries, and Shayne Davern took one touch 17 yards across the goal line.

Romine is expected to play against Colorado State on Saturday, though.

Advantages

Offense: Colorado State – Stevens is spinning the ball really well right now, and the Rams have a few options in the running game just like the Falcons do.

Defense: Air Force – The Falcons are No. 19 in total defense, allowing 334.9 yards per game.

Special Teams: Air Force – McVey is No. 15 in the nation in yards per kick return with 27.14 per return.

Coaching: Air Force – Troy Calhoun found a way to win without Romine, and that was impressive. He gets the Falcons the nod over Bobo’s Rams.

Matchup To Watch

Nick Stevens vs. Nate Romine

Their games are very different, but both play huge roles for their respective teams — as every quarterback does. Stevens has to continue to protect the football, take what the defense gives him and lead the Rams down the field. If he can air it out and prevent Air Force from stacking the box, the Rams will be in good shape. As for Romine, he needs to get back to moving the sticks with his running ability. But he has to make Colorado State pay if it tries to cheat the run. If Romine can be accurate with the football through the air, this will be interesting.

Betting Odds

Spread: Air Force -5.5
Over/Under: 53.5

Colorado State vs. Air Force Prediction

Romine’s return will have a huge impact on this game. He’s going to run for about 75 yards on double-digit carries, but he’s also going to make the throws he needs to make to keep the Falcons ahead. Owens will find running room and carve a path to the end zone to help out. Stevens will be great from the pocket, but he’ll get picked off once, and that will end up being the deciding factor in a win for Air Force.

Colorado State vs. Air Force Score Prediction: Air Force 28, Colorado State 24

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