Colorado State head into Saturday's 5 p.m. matchup with Southern Utah as clear favourites, and for good reason. The Rams are at home at Canvas Stadium, they are listed as 20.5-point favourites at BetMGM, and this is the first meeting between the two programs.
For CSU, the opener offered several encouraging signs. Hauss Hejny made his first start in the green and gold and passed for 214 yards on 23 completions, while RJ Vick delivered six catches for 75 yards and three touchdowns against Wyoming. The Rams also protected the quarterback well, allowing zero sacks and just four quarterback hurries.
CSU's opener gave them a clear platform
That is the starting point for this game. When a team opens the season with that kind of balance, it gives the next opponent a very clear problem to solve. CSU showed they can move the ball through the air, they can spread the workload, and they can keep the pocket clean enough for their quarterback to settle into rhythm.
There is also a defensive angle to this one. Southern Utah arrive with the second-ranked rushing offense in the FCS at 313.5 yards per game, so CSU's ability to control the line of scrimmage will matter. But the visitors have also allowed 10 opponent touchdowns over two games, which means this is not a matchup where the Rams should feel they need to force the issue.
Southern Utah bring pace on the ground
The challenge for CSU is simple: do not let Southern Utah dictate the game with tempo and repeated rushing success. A strong run attack can shorten possessions and keep an underdog alive far longer than the favourite would like. That is why the Rams' front seven and defensive discipline become so important here.
CSU, though, have their own reasons to feel comfortable. The opener suggested there is enough efficiency in the passing game, and enough protection up front, to put pressure on a defence that has already conceded regularly. If Hauss Hejny can build on that first start, the Rams should be able to make early control count.
At this stage of the season, the bigger question is not whether CSU can compete. It is whether they can turn a strong home start into the kind of clean performance that removes doubt early. Against Southern Utah, that is exactly what they will be expected to do.
