At 3-7 the Colorado State Rams won’t be bowling this season, however the 4-5 BYU Cougars can if they win two of their final three games. So when these two teams match-up this week in Fort Collins, the pressure will be squarely on the shoulders of the Cougars.
One would think that would mean the Rams could go out, play loose and not feel the strain of a must win game. One could then translate that into a Rams victory. Don’t count Andrea Adelson of ESPN.com as that one, though, as she predicts a close game siding in BYU’s favor.
BYU 30, Colorado State 27. I am trying not to read too much into the Cougars’ offensive explosion last week because it came against UNLV. But still, it has to be encouraging to see Jake Heaps throw for more than 100 yards in a game. This one features the two top freshmen quarterbacks in the league, and the Rams are much improved with Pete Thomas leading the way. But BYU has an improving defense — and has to win to keep bowl hopes alive.
When “Experts” predict a game separated by a field goal, it generally means they are wavering on the winner. That should be reassuring news for the hometown fans.