UTEP (0-3) at Colorado State (1-2)
When/where: 3 p.m. Saturday/Canvas Stadium
TV/Radio: truTV/Rams Radio Network
BetMGM Line: CSU -9.5, 50.5 over/under
Weather: 66 degrees, chance of a thunderstorm
Three storylines
Jilted fans’ response: Ram Nation turned out in full force for last Saturday’s Rocky Mountain Showdown, setting a Canvas Stadium record with 40,099 fans (albeit with some help from Buffs fans). But the Rams wilted in the spotlight of that game in a 28-9 loss. After consecutive home sellouts to start the season, will CSU’s fans show up in droves again this weekend, coming off a massively disappointing defeat to their rival and considering it’s a non-marquee opponent? Or is it back to the norm, a half-empty stadium?
The BFN factor: In his first collegiate start last year, Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi dazzled, and was a central reason why the Rams nearly pulled off an upset of CU in Boulder. But last week against the Buffs, Fowler-Nicolosi turned in a dud. He misfired on several throws on third down, and his interception on an ill-advised back-foot, cross-body heave on the Rams’ opening possession of the second half was the nail in CSU’s coffin. Can the redshirt sophomore find a rhythm, especially with star wide receiver Tory Horton (groin) sidelined?
CSU’s struggling front: The Rams are sorely missing last year’s sack master, Mohamed Kamara, who is now on the Miami Dolphins in the NFL. CSU has only two sacks this year, and defensive end Nuer Gatkuoth remains out (turf toe). The Rams desperately need to generate pressure; against CU, their inability to get to Shedeur Sanders allowed the QB to pick them apart. Locals Gabe Kirschke (Valor Christian) and Mukendi Wa-Kalonji (Grandview) need to jump-start CSU against a Miners team that’s already given up eight sacks.
Predictions
Kyle Newman, sportswriter: CSU 24, UTEP 17
It’s hard to have a lot of faith in this CSU offense with the way the Rams played in their two losses, especially without Tory Horton in the lineup this week. Then again, the UTEP offense has problems of its own, as evidenced by just 10 points in a loss to Liberty last week as QB Skyler Locklear threw two picks and posted a measly 23.6 rating. The Rams pull this out in snazzy uniforms on State Pride day, though it’s a lot closer than green-and-gold faithful would hope with a defensive stand on the final drive to seal the win. Even after this game, there are still plenty of questions about this team and if they can go bowling this season.
Sean Keeler, sports columnist: CSU 27, UTEP 16
With fans grumbling and Tory Horton hurting, the Rams could really use an off week. Fortunately, they’ve got a visit from winless UTEP up first, which is about as close to a bye as an FBS team can offer up these days. QB Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi could use a “get-right” game — heck, they all could. This is it. Since 2015, CSU is 6-0 in the tilt immediately following a loss to CU in the Rocky Mountain Showdown. From what we’ve seen of the Miners so far, make that 7-0.
Matt Schubert, sports editor: CSU 28, UTEP 13
Is it possible to have a must-win game in Week 4? If the answer is yes, this would certainly classify as such for head coach Jay Norvell and the Rams. CSU just submitted a stink bomb on national television in its 28-9 loss to CU in the Rocky Mountain Showdown. Dropping to 1-3 in a year that has to end in a bowl game would be a disaster — especially considering the opponent. UTEP isn’t just bad. They’re lost-at-home-to-Southern-Utah bad. If Norvell doesn’t come out of this one with a “W,” those gray clouds hanging over Fort Collins on Saturday will stand as the perfect metaphor for the state of the Rams football program.
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