Colorado State vs. Utah State Prediction, Game Preview


Colorado State vs. Utah State prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins Saturday night’s matchup between the Rams and Aggies.


When: Saturday, Oct. 8 – 10:00 p.m. ET
Where: Hughes Stadium, Fort Collins, Colorado
TV Broadcast: CBSSN

Colorado State is stumbling into this game at 2-3 after dropping its last two games. Wins against UTSA and Northern Colorado were followed by a loss on the road to Minnesota and last week’s loss at home to Wyoming, 38-17. The Rams gave up 21 points in the second quarter and then trudged their way through the rest of the game without scoring a single point in the second half.

Head coach Matt Wells’ team isn’t much different right now. After going back and forth for the first three weeks, Utah State’s win over Arkansas State was matched with a loss at home to Air Force. Last weekend, Utah State had the unpleasant task of going to Boise State, and the Broncos put a 21-10 loss on the Aggies’ record (2-3). Utah State trailed the whole way.

What To Know About Colorado State

The Rams sure did let quarterback Colin Hill sling the ball around against Wyoming. He completed 23-of-41 passes for 370 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He connected with eight different Rams in the game, but his leading receivers were Danny Nwosu, who reeled in six grabs for 68 yards, and Michael Gallup, who caught four balls for 75 yards.

Colorado State could not get the running game going against the Cowboys, though. Dalyn Dawkins took his 13 carries for only 35 yards. Izzy Matthews supplied 38 yards on five carries, but it was Detrich Clark who provided the only rushing touchdown for the Rams. His only carry went for 35 yards to the end zone.

What to Know About Utah State

The last two weeks for Kent Myers has been somewhat uncharacteristic in terms of the passing game. The Aggies had him throw 47 times against Air Force, and he completed 29 of them. Last week versus Boise State, Myers completed 29-of-50 passes. In those two games, he’s thrown for 647 yards. Myers, who’s better known for his ability to run the ball, had thrown for 440 yards combined in Utah State’s first three games.

Of course, the Aggies were without their star halfback, Devante Mays, but his status is uncertain for this game against CSU. If Mays can’t go, look for Tony Lindsey and Lajuan Hunt to get the bulk of the carries with Myers also toting the rock a few times. Lindsey and Hunt combined for only 24 rushing yards against Boise State, though.

Advantages

Offense: Utah State – If Myers is going to throw for 300 yards and move the chains with his legs, the Rams will have a hard time stopping the Aggies, who get the edge here.

Defense: Utah State – The Aggies are allowing 346.8 yards of total offense per game, that’s good enough to be ranked No. 29 in the country.

Special Teams: Colorado State – The Rams get the edge here because Hayden Hunt is averaging 44.4 yards per punt, and field position will play a big factor here.

Coaching: Utah State – Mike Wells has more experience, and is only two years removed from going 10-4.

Matchup To Watch

Colin Hill vs. Kent Myers

Sit back, relax, and get ready to see a showdown between these two quarterbacks. Myers is proving he can sling the ball around the field when he’s asked to do so — even though it hasn’t translated into a win yet for the Aggies. Hill isn’t a big of a threat to run the ball as Myers is, so he’ll have to outshine the Utah State quarterback from the pocket. And that’s where this matchup comes into play. One of these quarterbacks is going to have to step up and deliver when it matters most, and that’s going to be fun to watch.

Betting Odds

Spread: Utah State -6
Over/Under: 49.5

Colorado State vs. Utah State Prediction

Get ready for Myers to do his thing yet again. This time, he’ll wreak a little more havoc with his legs, but the Utah State quarterback will do it all in this matchup. He’ll throw for 200 yards and rush for at least 75 yards against the Rams. Hill will be solid, too. He’ll throw for 250 yards with a couple touchdowns, but it’s going to end up coming down to who consistently moves the sticks and controls the time of possession. That will be the Aggies. Lindsey and Hunt will be better this week, and Utah State will win because of it.

Colorado State vs. Utah State Score Prediction: Utah State 24, Colorado State 21

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