CSU Rams Face Air Force Falcons in Key Mountain West Showdown

The Colorado State Rams will host the Air Force Falcons at Canvas Stadium on November 10, 2023, at 1 p.m. local time. This Mountain West matchup marks a critical moment for both teams, as they seek to conclude their respective seasons on a high note. The Rams, currently at 2-9 overall and 1-6 in conference play, face the Falcons who hold a record of 3-8 with a 2-5 conference standing. This game will be broadcasted on FS1 and available on radio at 104.3 HD2 and 1600 AM.

Key Storylines Ahead of the Matchup

The Rams have experienced significant turmoil at the quarterback position this season. Initially, Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi was expected to lead the team as the starting quarterback. However, after starting the first three games, he lost his position to Jackson Brousseau, who then started seven consecutive games before handing off to Darius Curry. Following Curry’s suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct, the Rams are poised to start Tahj Bullock against Air Force.

In a related development, Jim Mora, currently the head coach at UConn, will take over as the Rams’ head coach following the conclusion of this season. Mora, who has previously coached the Air Force Falcons from 2004 to 2006, brings a wealth of experience to Fort Collins. His arrival will likely lead to significant changes in the Rams’ roster, including an anticipated influx of transfers, as the interim coaching regime under Tyson Summers approaches its end.

Amidst the challenges, the Rams can take pride in the performance of sophomore linebacker Owen Long. As the team captain, Long leads the nation with 134 tackles, three ahead of his nearest competitor, Micah Davey from UTEP. Long’s performance has been a bright spot for Colorado State, as he aims to break into the program’s record books, currently sitting in the top ten for single-season tackles.

Predictions and Analysis

Sports analysts are divided on the outcome of this encounter. Kyle Newman, a sportswriter, predicts a narrow victory for the Falcons with a score of 20-19. His assessment notes that Air Force is coping with its own quarterback challenges, as starting quarterback Liam Szarka is sidelined with a broken arm. The Falcons will rely on juniors Kempher Hodges and Josh Johnson to lead the offense, which remains formidable due to the triple-option scheme.

In contrast, Sean Keeler, a sports columnist, forecasts a slightly larger margin, estimating a final score of 22-17 in favor of Air Force. He highlights the ongoing struggles both teams face, particularly in their defensive units. The Rams have struggled significantly against the run, ranking last in the Mountain West by allowing an average of 194.82 rushing yards per game.

As both teams prepare for this pivotal matchup, fans will be eager to see if Colorado State can fend off a potential ninth loss of the season and secure a win that would provide a much-needed boost heading into the offseason. The game may also serve as a farewell of sorts for the rivalry trophy, as the annual series between the Rams and Falcons could be disrupted by ongoing conference realignments.