The University of Minnesota Golden Gophers travel to play the Colorado State University Rams at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium this week. The game starts at 9:30 a.m. ET on Saturday, Sep 12 and will air on the CBSS.
Colorado State blew out Savannah State 65-13 last week. Nick Stevens had an outstanding performance passing the ball in the win, completing 20 of 28 passes for 289 yards and five TDs. Kivon Cartwright added 56 yards and a TD on three receptions. Minnesota didn’t have the same success as Colorado State, getting beat by TCU 23-17 in its matchup. KJ Maye had a solid outing for the Golden Gophers, registering four receptions for 73 yards and one TD. Rodney Smith also had a big day, contributing 88 yards and a TD on 16 attempts.
The Rams, a five-point underdog, will be looking to maintain home-field advantage when Minnesota comes to town. The teams combine to set the Over/Under (O/U) at 54 points.
Heading into Week 2 of the college football season, the Rams are unbeaten with a 1-0 record Straight Up (SU) and Against The Spread (ATS). They rank sixth in the nation with 65.0 points per game, making them one of the nation’s most dynamic offenses. The Colorado State offenses features a strong pass attack, currently ranking 10th in the nation with 381 passing yards per game. Colorado State’s scoring defense, which allows 13.0 points per game, will have a chance to build upon its numbers against the Golden Gophers. The Golden Gophers could have a difficult time throwing the ball against the 11th-best pass defense in the nation. The Rams give up 100 yards per game through the air. A pivotal part of the game will be if the Golden Gophers can protect their quarterback from Colorado State’s hungry defense. It averages the third-most sacks in the nation with seven per game. The Rams make it hard on their opponents early, averaging 24 points in the first 15 minutes.
On the other side, the Golden Gophers have started the season well ATS with a 1-0 record to go along with a 0-1 SU record. The Rams have got to hold onto the ball against the Golden Gophers. The Rams are 122nd in the country in turnovers with five per game.
Predictions: SU Winner – ColoSt, ATS Winner – ColoSt, O/U – Over
Notes
Colorado State is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Colorado State’s last 7 games.
Colorado State is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home.
Colorado State is 1-0 SU when leading at the half this season.
Based on overall FBS ratings, Colorado State holds the upper hand in the passing game. Its passing attack (ranked 10th in the nation) will face the 79th-ranked pass defense of Minnesota, while its 11th-ranked pass defense will look to limit the 83rd-ranked passing game of the Golden Gophers.
Minnesota has allowed 23.0 points per game this year, which is ranked only 95th in the country. Colorado State has scored 65.0 points per game this year and is ranked seventh overall.
