Boise State at Colorado State

#20 Boise State University (-13.5) at Colorado State University

Date: Friday, November 29th, 2019 

Time: 1:30MT 

Stadium: Sonny Lubick Field at Canvas Stadium (36,500)

TV: CBS Sports Network

Know Thy Enemy

CAM the Ram will be waiting on the banks of the Cache la Poudre River as the Broncos come to town on the day after Thanksgiving for Senior Day on Sonny Lubick Field. The Rams will be honoring 13 Seniors Friday afternoon. 

The Colorado State football team, lead by Coach Mike Bobo, is having yet another rough season. During the Bobo era, the Rams have never finished higher than 3rd in the division, never won more than 7 games, and have never won a bowl game.  The Rams right now sit at 4-7 (3-4) and are currently in fifth place in the Mountain Division. 

After the dismissal to running back Marvin Kinsey Jr. seven games into the season, the Rams have had a hard time finding their identity on offense. Kinsey was the Rams offense and even though he only played in seven games he still leads the team in every rushing statistic. Four different running backs have tried to carry the load, but not one running back is averaging close to 100 yards per game that Kinsey was. Last week, the offense could only produce one offensive touchdown, when for much of the season CSU has been averaging 30 points or more.  

The Colorado State defense, however, has had is share of success this season. The Rams defense, which returns seven starters from a year ago, has played well over the course of the year. The Rams are tops in the Mountain West in pass defense, giving up only 175 yards through the air and only 6.9 yards per completion. However, the Rams are almost dead last in run defense, giving up over 200 yards per game and 4.9 yards per rush attempt. 

Boise State and Colorado State have played eight times in school history, with the Broncos having a perfect 8-0 record in the series. The Broncos have beaten the Rams by an average of 21.8 points, but the Rams have kept it close a couple of times, by only losing by a touchdown. 

What Happened Last Year

Two years ago, Boise State pulled off the “Mile-High Miracle” in a stunning come-from-behind over time victory. Last year, the game between the Broncos and the Rams could have been titled “Orange Crush” as the orange-clad Broncos dismantled the Rams 56-28. 

After coming back from down 35-10 the year prior, the Broncos completely flipped the script this time, racing out to a 35-7 halftime lead and they never looked back. The Boise State offense was firing on all cylinders as the Broncos converted all but one third down and scored touchdowns on five of their six first half possessions. 

In the second half, it was much of the same as the Broncos scored touchdowns on three of their four possessions. Quarterback Brett Rypien led the way with his 308 yards passing and four touchdowns. Receivers Sean Modster and AJ Richardson both had two touchdowns each. 

Players to Watch 

COLORADO STATE

JR., Warren Jackson, WR #9

It's seems as though CSU always has at least one NFL prototype receiver on their roster and if anyone fits the bill its Warren Jackson. Jackson, a 6'6" wideout, has the physical edge on pretty much every defensive back he goes up against and the stats back it up. Jackson leads the Mountain West in yards with over 1,000 and has 7 touchdown grabs. In a game that could feature limited passing, Jackson might be able to make that one big catch that could change the outcome for the Rams. 

JR., Marcus McElroy, RB #32

In a game that might feature less passing plays than Army vs Navy, it only seems right to highlight the running back. McElroy, a Denver native, has been employed to carry the load after the suspension of running back Marvin Kinsey. Most CSU supporters are surprised that McElroy has not received more carries up until this point. McElroy is only averaging 33 yards per game but could get a serious bump in yardage this week.

SR., Jamal Hicks, S #7

Jamal Hicks had a really great Junior season and many thought that this last year would have been the last they saw of Hicks. However, with more left in the tank, Hicks is putting together his best season yet as a Ram. Hicks leads the Rams in tackles with over 100 takedowns. Tackling will be important with the weather on Friday afternoon, and Hicks will do everything he can to make sure he doesn't miss. 

BOISE STATE 

SR., Jaylon Henderson, QB #9

The JUCO transfer Jalen Henderson got his first division 1 start 2 weeks ago against New Mexico on senior night. All he did on that night was throw for three touchdowns and lead the Broncos to a blowout win against the New Mexico Lobos. Last week saw yet another start for Henderson, and he looked poised on the road, throwing for another three touchdowns in an absolute demolishing of the Utah State Aggies. when asked about the quarterback situation this week, Coach Harsin said all three quarterbacks were available to play. Henderson might start again this week for the Broncos, and if he does look for him to to do whatever it takes for the Broncos to win. 

FR., George Holani, RB #24

Coming into the 2019 season, fans had hopes that George holani would be the next great running back for the Broncos. Early in the season Holani was fighting for carries alongside two other ball carriers. However, over the past few weeks Holani has gained the trust of the coaching staff and had become the feature back for Boise State. Last week the Freshman rushed for over 175 yards and is within 130 yards of breaking the 1,000 yard mark. Look for Holani to have a heavy workload this week in Fort Collins. 

Rs.JR., Curtis Weaver, STUD #99

There’s little left to say about Curtis Weaver so we will just say it how it is. Weaver is a generational player that we may never see again. Weaver is a total game wrecker that every team must game plan against. Weaver has been put on the Bednarik Award Semifinalist list, which goes to the nation’s top defensive player. Weaver has either had a sack or tackle for loss in every game but one this season. Look for Weaver to make it a long day for the Rams O-line. 

Focus Position Group: Offense, Defense, Special Teams

This week for the first time ever, the whole team is under the microscope. It has been a few years since the Broncos have been right in the thick of the NY6 conversation. With the division locked up, the Broncos are playing for the right to be in the New Year’s Six conversation. This week the whole Broncos team will need to focus on executing the game plan and staying mentally “checked-in” to avoid any Black Friday blunders. 

Rev's Route to a Bronco Win

1. Trench Warfare

The battle for the line of scrimmage is the biggest battle in football. If you can't win the line of scrimmage, your chances of winning decrease exponentially. With the weather looking like snow is in the forecast, the line of scrimmage is that much more important. Boise State must establish a solid run game if they want to win this week. The running attack has been more consistent over the last two weeks and the thousand yard rusher streak, which seemed in Jeopardy just a few weeks ago, is now right within their reach.

2. Weather the Storm

A literal snow storm is set to hit Fort Collins on Friday afternoon right around kick-off time. Last time Boise State played in the snow was last year’s Mountain West Championship game. The only game that Boise State lost this year was in a nasty cold weather game in Provo. The Broncos will have to be both physically and mentally tough this week and not let the conditions affect their focus. 

   

3. Punch them in the mouth

The last two games have resembled more of what Bronco Nation is used to seeing. Against New Mexico and Utah State, Boise State outscored their opponents with a combined score of 98-30. In Both of those games the Broncos scored first and came out playing fast and loose. This week they will need to do the same. The Rams have nothing but pride to play for and from what is coming out of Colorado State, pride is more than enough motivation. It will be important that the Broncos come out swinging against a motivated Rams team. 

   

Editorial Note: 

There are two stats going into Friday afternoon that are on my mind. Frist, Boise State has played six times on “Black Friday” since 2007. They have played four of those six games on the road. In those four road games the Broncos are 1-3 with the only win coming in 2015 against San Jose State. The second stat that has been surfacing is that on Friday the 2019 Broncos have a chance to be the first team in school history to finish the regular season with an undefeated conference record. Something that even the beloved ‘Coach Pete’ and Kellen Moore couldn’t do. Even though the Broncos have already locked up their spot in the title game, there is still plenty of motivation to come out and play hard on Friday afternoon. 

This game has all the makings of a major upset: snow, senior day, a coach that is on the hot seat, and a team that has no postseason aspirations. This game against the Broncos is their bowl game. It’s their last shot to show the country that they are better than their 4-7 record. 

With snow in the forecast for Friday afternoon, things could get a little interesting. Both teams are preparing for such weather and know the challenges it brings. As for me, I’m excited for the prospects of watching a snow game. However, I do think it evens the playing field a bit. With all that said, I still think Boise State covers behind another big game from the stable or running backs, but I’m taking the under on this one. 

Broncos 28, Rams 7