Colorado State defensive lineman Nordly Capi forced and recovered a fumble which was set by Shaquil Barrett sacking New Mexico quarterback Tarean Austin in the closing seconds Saturday to preserve Colorado State's 14-10 victory over New Mexico.
This low scoring game that had three missed field goals, two by Colorado State and one by New Mexico. The missed kick by New Mexico was one of the worst shanks in a long time as the kick went about six feet in the air and bounced in the endzone. New Mexico got on the board first with a 33-yard James Aho field goal in the second quarter.
Colorado State then responded right away by marching down the field on a five play 69 yard drive that lated a quick 2:37 to score the go-ahead 33-yard touchdown pass by Pete Thomas to tight end Crockett Gillmore. New Mexico then responded in even quicker fashion by driving down the field in seven plays that encompassed 80 yards in 1:08 to take the lead into halftime.
The second half saw Colorado State's defense really step up. On their first defensive possession they forced a New Mexico fumble when the Lobos were in Ram territory. The fumble was forced and recovered by Davis Burl, but with the turnover recovery the Rams could not convert as they went three and out.
However, the Rams defense kept holding New Mexico's offense as they had three straight three and outs. The Rams offense did not do much better until their fourth quarter drive that proved to be the game winner. The Rams went 11 plays for 40 yards that ate up 5:39 of clock and had Chris Nwoke score the game winning touchdown on a two-yard touchdown run.
On the day Thomas who had a solid game on Saturday by gong 22-for-26 passing with 178 yards, a touchdown and no picks. Outside of the deep touchdown pass Thomas was completing passes to multiple receivers on mostly intermediate routes. Thomas was given more freedom in the offense and completed passes to nine different Rams.
Overall the Rams had their up and downs, but they do look improved from last year especially with the defensive pressure they were putting on against a much improved New Mexico team.
The Rams next week host Northern Colorado at 12 p.m. MT.