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2023 Colorado State Rams football team

2023 Colorado State Rams football
ConferenceMountain West Conference
Record5–7 (3–5 MW)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorMatt Mumme (2nd season)
Offensive schemeAir raid
Defensive coordinatorFreddie Banks (2nd season)
Base defense4–2–5
Home stadiumCanvas Stadium
Uniform
Seasons
← 2022
2024 →
2023 Mountain West Conference football standings
Conf Overall
Team   W   L     W   L  
UNLV y   6 2     9 5  
Boise State y$   6 2     8 6  
San Jose State   6 2     7 6  
Air Force   5 3     9 4  
Wyoming   5 3     9 4  
Fresno State   4 4     9 4  
Utah State   4 4     6 7  
Hawaii   3 5     5 8  
Colorado State   3 5     5 7  
Nevada   2 6     2 10  
New Mexico   2 6     4 8  
San Diego State   2 6     4 8  
Championship: Boise State 44, UNLV 20
  • $ – Conference champion
  • y – Championship game participant

The 2023 Colorado State Rams football team represented Colorado State University as a member of the Mountain West Conference (MW) during the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Led by second-year head coach Jay Norvell, the Rams played home games at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins, Colorado, .

Preseason

Mountain West media poll

The 2023 Mountain West preseason media poll was released on July 19. The Rams were predicted to finish seventh in the conference.[1]

Mountain West Conference media poll
Predicted finish Team Votes (1st place)
1 Boise State 433 (28)
2 Air Force 364 (2)
3 Fresno State 351 (5)
4 San Diego State 338 (1)
5 San Jose State 293
6 Wyoming 281
7 Colorado State 201
8 Utah State 194
9 UNLV 177 (1)
10 Hawaii 102
11 Nevada 92
12 New Mexico 60

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentSiteTVResultAttendance
September 25:00 p.m.Washington State*CBSSNL 24–5031,497
September 168:00 p.m.at No. 18 Colorado*ESPNL 35–43 2OT53,141
September 235:00 p.m.at Middle Tennessee*ESPN+W 31–2319,806
September 305:00 p.m.Utah Tech*
  • Canvas Stadium
  • Fort Collins, CO
MW NetworkW 41–2027,932
October 76:00 p.m.at Utah StateMW NetworkL 24–4422,864
October 147:45 p.m.Boise Statedagger
  • Canvas Stadium
  • Fort Collins, CO
FS1W 31–3034,901
October 215:00 p.m.at UNLVMW NetworkL 23–2522,585
October 285:30 p.m.No. 19 Air Force
  • Canvas Stadium
  • Fort Collins, CO (rivalry)
CBSSNL 13–3022,570
November 36:00 p.m.at WyomingCBSSNL 15–2427,905
November 115:00 p.m.San Diego State
  • Canvas Stadium
  • Fort Collins, CO
CBSSNW 22–1922,033
November 181:00 p.m.Nevada
  • Canvas Stadium
  • Fort Collins, CO
MW NetworkW 30–2020,121
November 259:00 p.m.at HawaiiMW NetworkL 24–2711,013

[2]

Game summaries

Washington State

Washington State Cougars (0-0) at Colorado State Rams (0-0) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cougars 7 10 122150
Rams 3 0 02124

at Canvas StadiumFort Collins, Colorado

  • Date: September 2nd
  • Game time: 5:00 p.m. MST/4:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: Temperature: 88 °F (31 °C) • Wind: SW at 8 miles per hour (13 km/h) • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 31,497
  • Referee: Jeff Dahle
  • TV announcers (CBSSN): Dave Ryan (play-by-play), and Corey Chavous (analyst)
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Statistics Washington State Colorado State
First downs 30 18
Plays–yards 556 357
Rushes–yards 90 37
Passing yards 466 320
Passing: compattint -- --
Time of possession 37:40 22:20
Team Category Player Statistics
Washington State Passing Cam Ward 27-49,451 yards, 3 TDs
Rushing Cameron Ward 13 rushes, 40 yards, TD
Receiving Lincoln Victor 11 receptions, 168 yards
Colorado State Passing Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi 13-20, 210 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Rushing Avery Morrow 11 rushes, 29 yards
Receiving Justus Ross-Simmons 5 receptions, 123 yards, TD

at No. 18 Colorado

Colorado State Rams (0-1) at No. 18 Colorado Buffaloes (2-0) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34OT2OTTotal
Rams 14 7 077035
No 18 Buffaloes 14 0 0147843

at Folsom FieldBoulder, Colorado

  • Date: September 16th
  • Game time: 8:00 p.m. MST/7:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: Temperature: 63 °F (17 °C) • Wind: SW at 6 miles per hour (9.7 km/h) • Weather: Clear
  • Game attendance: 53,141
  • Referee: Mike McCabe
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Mark Jones (play-by-play), Louis Riddick (analyst), and Quint Kessenich (sideline reporter)
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Statistics Colorado State No. 18 Colorado
First downs 24 24
Plays–yards 87-499 72-418
Rushes–yards 102 70
Passing yards 397 348
Passing: compattint 35-48-3 38-47-1
Time of possession 34:37 25:23
Team Category Player Statistics
Colorado State Passing Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi 34-47, 367 yards, 3 TDs
Rushing Kobe Johnson 15 carries, 54 yards
Receiving Tory Horton 16 receptions, 133 yards, 1 TD
No. 18 Colorado Passing Shedeur Sanders 38-47, 348 yards, 4 TDs
Rushing Dylan Edwards 10 carries, 57 yards
Receiving Xavier Weaver 9 receptions, 98 yards, 1 TD

at Middle Tennessee

Colorado State Rams (0-2) at Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (1-2) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Rams 10 0 71431
Blue Raiders 10 7 0623

at Johnny "Red" Floyd StadiumMurfreesboro, Tennessee

  • Date: September 23rd
  • Game time: 5:00 p.m. MST/4:00 p.m. PST
  • Game attendance: 19,806
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): TBD
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Statistics Colorado State Middle Tennessee
First downs 18 26
Plays–yards 378 430
Rushes–yards 33 151
Passing yards 345 279
Passing: compattint 31-44-1 30-41-0
Time of possession 26:03 33:57
Team Category Player Statistics
Colorado State Passing Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi 30-43, 321 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Rushing Avery Morrow 6 carries, 20 yards
Receiving Dallin Holker 11 receptions, 112 yards, 1 TD
Middle Tennessee Passing Nicholas Vattiato 30-41, 279 yards, 2 TDs
Rushing Nicholas Vattiato 15 carries, 47 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Holden Willis 9 receptions, 118 yards, 1 TD

vs Utah Tech

Utah Tech Trailblazers (FCS) (1–3) at Colorado State Rams (1–2) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Trailblazers (FCS) 3 14 3020
Rams 14 7 61441

at Canvas Stadium • Fort Collins, Colorado

  • Date: September 30th
  • Game time: 5:00 p.m. MST/4:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: Temperature: 79 °F (26 °C) • Wind: SW at 7 miles per hour (11 km/h) • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 27,932
  • Referee: Christian Watson
  • TV announcers (MW Network): TBD
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Statistics Utah Tech (FCS) Colorado State
First downs 18 25
Plays–yards 68–349 63–586
Rushes–yards 35–164 29–112
Passing yards 185 474
Passing: compattint 21–33–1 27–34–2
Time of possession 34:19 25:41
Team Category Player Statistics
Utah Tech (FCS) Passing Kobe Tracy 21/33, 185 yards, 2 TD, INT
Rushing Ronnie Walker Jr. 20 carries, 83 yards
Receiving Rickie Johnson 8 receptions, 69 yards
Colorado State Passing Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi 26/32, 462 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT
Rushing Vann Schield 16 carries, 54 yards, TD
Receiving Tory Horton 10 receptions, 227 yards, 3 TD

at Utah State

Colorado State Rams (2–2) at Utah State Aggies (2–3) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Rams 17 0 0724
Aggies 3 14 141344

at Maverik StadiumLogan, Utah

  • Date: October 7th
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. MST/5:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 22,864
  • Referee: Michael Cuttone
  • TV announcers (MW Network): TBD
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Statistics Colorado State Utah State
First downs 20 28
Plays–yards 83–320 84–639
Rushes–yards 26–95 55–252
Passing yards 225 387
Passing: compattint 26–57–3 19–29–2
Time of possession 27:10 32:50
Team Category Player Statistics
Colorado State Passing Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi 26/57, 225 yards, 3 INT
Rushing Kobe Johnson 17 carries, 56 yards, TD
Receiving Louis Brown IV 6 receptions, 54 yards
Utah State Passing Cooper Legas 19/29, 387 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT
Rushing Davon Booth 14 carries, 141 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Terrell Vaughn 8 receptions, 143 yards, TD

vs Boise State

Boise State Broncos (3–3) at Colorado State Rams (2–3) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Broncos 7 10 01330
Rams 0 0 102131

at Canvas Stadium • Fort Collins, Colorado

  • Date: October 14th
  • Game time: 7:45 p.m. MST/6:45 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: Temperature: 46 °F (8 °C) • Wind: SE at 4 miles per hour (6.4 km/h) • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 34,901
  • Referee: Jonathan Noli
  • TV announcers (FOX/FS1/FS2): TBD
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Statistics Boise State Colorado State
First downs 23 21
Plays–yards 66–384 75–401
Rushes–yards 43–246 21–42
Passing yards 138 359
Passing: compattint 15–24–2 32–54–1
Time of possession 34:23 25:37
Team Category Player Statistics
Boise State Passing Maddux Madsen 10/16, 110 yards, INT
Rushing Ashton Jeanty 31 carries, 212 yards, 3 TD
Receiving Ashton Jeanty 5 receptions, 42 yards
Colorado State Passing Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi 32/54, 359 yards, 3 TD, INT
Rushing Vann Schield 15 carries, 51 yards, TD
Receiving Tory Horton 10 receptions, 130 yards

at UNLV

Colorado State Rams (2–4) at UNLV Rebels (5–1) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Rams 0 13 01023
Rebels 0 3 13925

at Allegiant StadiumLas Vegas, Nevada

  • Date: October 21st
  • Game time: 5:00 p.m. MST/4:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: None (Indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 22,585
  • Referee: Nolan Dumas
  • TV announcers (MW Network): Steve Cofield and Matt Neverett
Game information
First quarter

None

Second quarter
  • (14:15) UNLV – Jose Pizano 42-yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 26 yards, 3:58; UNLV 3–0)
  • (7:39) CSU – Jordan Noyes 33-yard field goal (Drive: 15 plays, 59 yards, 6:31; Tied 3–3)
  • (3:58) CSU – Avery Morrow 2-yard run, Jordan Noyes kick (Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 2:29; Colorado State 10–3)
  • (0:53) CSU – Jordan Noyes 27-yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 1:43; Colorado State 13–3)
Third quarter
  • (6:05) UNLV – Jose Pizano 43-yard field goal (Drive: 12 plays, 36 yards, 3:43; Colorado State 13–6)
  • (3:06) UNLV – Jose Pizano 25-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 19 yards, 3:01; Colorado State 13–9)
  • (3:58) UNLV – Donavyn Lester 11-yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 6 plays, 66 yards, 2:15; UNLV 16–13)
Fourth quarter
  • (7:36) UNLV – Jose Pizano 34-yard field goal (Drive: 16 plays, 78 yards, 7:40; UNLV 19–13)
  • (3:49) CSU – Justus Ross-Simmons 20-yard pass from Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, Jordan Noyes kick (Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 1:46; Colorado State 20–19)
  • (1:27) UNLV – Jose Pizano 46-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards, 2:17; UNLV 22–20)
  • (0:44) CSU – Jordan Noyes 55-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 37 yards, 0:43; Colorado State 23–22)
  • (0:00) UNLV – Jose Pizano 28-yard field goal (Drive: 6 plays, 56 yards, 0:40; UNLV 25–23)
Statistics Colorado State UNLV
First downs 19 25
Plays–yards 64–372 82–491
Rushes–yards 31–137 46–138
Passing yards 235 353
Passing: compattint 21–33–1 27–36–0
Time of possession 26:05 33:55
Team Category Player Statistics
Colorado State Passing Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi 21/32, 235 yards, TD
Rushing Vann Schield 11 carries, 90 yards
Receiving Dallin Holker 4 receptions, 80 yards
UNLV Passing Jayden Maiava 27/36, 353 yards
Rushing Vincent Davis 17 carries, 63 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Jacob De Jesus 9 receptions, 120 yards

vs No. 19 Air Force

No. 19 Air Force Falcons (7–0) at Colorado State Rams (3–4) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 19 Falcons 7 6 10730
Rams 0 13 0013

at Canvas Stadium • Fort Collins, Colorado

Game information
First quarter
  • (05:03) AF TD – Zac Larrier 9-yard pass to Dane Kinamon, Matthew Dapore kick
    Drive: 12 plays, 54 yards, 6:44; Air Force 7–0
Second quarter
  • (14:38) CSU TD – Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi 61-yard pass to Justus Ross-Simmons, Jordan Noyes kick
    Drive: 1 plays, 54 yards, 0:08; Tied 7–7
  • (07:15) CSU FG – Jordan Noyes 40-yard field goal
    Drive: 12 plays, 67 yards, 3:44; Colorado State 10–7'
  • (04:00) AF TD – John Lee Eldridge III 10-yard rush, Matthew Dapore PAT failed
    Drive: 3 plays, 11 yards, 1:31; Air Force 13–10
  • (00:45) CSU FG – Jordan Noyes 49-yard field goal
    Drive: 8 plays, 43 yards, 3:15; Tied 13–13'
Third quarter
  • (08:58) AF TD – Zac Larrier 1-yard rush, Matthew Dapore kick
    Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 6:02; Air Force 20–13
  • (00:45) AF FG – Matthew Dapore 29-yard field goal
    Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 4:47; Air Force 23–13'
Fourth quarter
  • (08:51) AF TD – Emmanuel Michel 5-yard rush, Matthew Dapore kick
    Drive: 3 plays, 36 yards, 2:00; Air Force 30–13
Statistics Air Force Colorado State
First downs 18 17
Plays–yards 64–293 64–339
Rushes–yards 57–261 19–42
Passing yards 32 297
Passing: compattint 4–7–0 28–45–0
Time of possession 35:58 24:02
Team Category Player Statistics
Air Force Passing Zac Larrier 4/7, 32 yards, TD
Rushing Emmanuel Michel 20 carries, 130 yards, TD
Receiving Brandon Engel 1 reception, 14 yards
Colorado State Passing Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi 28/45, 297 yards, TD
Rushing Vann Schield 14 carries, 53 yards
Receiving Justus Ross-Simmons 8 receptions, 128 yards, TD

at Wyoming

Colorado State Rams (3–5) at Wyoming Cowboys (5–3) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Rams 0 7 0815
Cowboys 3 7 14024

at War Memorial StadiumLaramie, Wyoming

  • Date: November 3rd
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. MST/5:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 49 °F (9 °C)
  • Game attendance: 27,905
  • Referee: Patrick Foy
  • TV announcers (CBSSN): Chris Lewis, Robert Turbin, and Emily Proud
Game information
First quarter
  • WYO – John Hoyland 30-yard field goal, 6:14. Cowboys 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 66 yards, 6:21.
Second quarter
  • WYO – Gunner Gentry 9-yard pass from Andrew Peasley (John Hoyland kick), 14:34. Cowboys 10–0. Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards, 4:12.
  • CSU – Louis Brown IV 18-yard pass from Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi (Jordan Noyes kick), 7:45. Cowboys 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 2:40.
Third quarter
  • WYO – Ayir Asante 11-yard pass from Andrew Peasley (John Hoyland kick), 5:53. Cowboys 17–7. Drive: 6 plays, 38 yards, 2:20.
  • WYO – Sam Scott 6-yard run (John Hoyland kick), 1:08. Cowboys 24–7. Drive: 8 plays, 46 yards, 3:41.
Fourth quarter
  • CSU – Dylan Goffney 9-yard pass from Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi (Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi pass from Tory Horton), 11:07. Cowboys 24–15. Drive: 3 plays, 38 yards, 1:22.
Statistics Colorado State Wyoming
First downs 20 21
Plays–yards 63–274 67–334
Rushes–yards 21–54 45–194
Passing yards 220 140
Passing: compattint 24–42–2 15–22–1
Time of possession 23:20 36:40
Team Category Player Statistics
Colorado State Passing Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi 24/42, 220 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Rushing Avery Morrow 11 carries, 39 yards
Receiving Tory Horton 7 receptions, 58 yards
Wyoming Passing Andrew Peasley 15/22, 140 yards, 2 TD, INT
Rushing Harrison Waylee 29 carries, 128 yards
Receiving Alex Brown 2 receptions, 32 yards

vs San Diego State

San Diego State Aztecs (3–6) at Colorado State Rams (3–6) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Aztecs 0 0 61319
Rams 5 10 7022

at Canvas Stadium • Fort Collins, Colorado

  • Date: November 11th
  • Game time: 5:00 p.m. MST/4:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: Sunny, Temperature: 52 °F (11 °C), Wind: SW 5 mph
  • Game attendance: 22,0333
  • Referee: Kenneth Ray
  • TV announcers (CBSSN): Dave Ryan (play-by-play) and Malik Zaire (analyst)
Game information
First Quarter
  • (5:58) CSU - Mohamed Kamara safety; 2 plays, -7 yards, 1:29 (Colorado State 2-0)
  • (2:42) CSU - Jordan Noyes 34 yard field goal; 4 plays, 1 yard, 1:27 (Colorado State 5-0)
Second Quarter
  • (10:22) CSU - Jordan Noyes 30 yard field goal; 14 plays, 75 yards, 5:17 (Colorado State 8-0)
  • (4:19) CSU - Dallin Holker 1 yard run (Jordan Noyes kick); 8 plays, 90 yards, 4:08 (Colorado State 15-0)
Third Quarter
  • (10:10) SDSU - Gabriel Plascencia 22 yard field goal; 6 plays, 71 yards, 2:57 (Colorado State 15-3)
  • (7:31) CSU - Justin Marshall 5 yard run (Jordan Noyes kick); 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:39) (Colorado State 22-3)
  • (3:06) SDSU - Gabriel Plascencia 38 yard field goal; 9 plays, 45 yards, 4:18 (Colorado State 22-6)
Fourth Quarter
  • (11:37) SDSU - Jalen Mayden 8 yard run (Two-point pass conversion failed); 9 plays, 46 yards, 4:26 (Colorado State 22-12)
  • (2:04) SDSU - Jaylon Armstead 1 yard run (Gabriel Plascencia kick); 14 plays, 80 yards, 6:30 (Colorado State 22-19)
Statistics San Diego State Colorado State
First downs 17 22
Plays–yards 57–273 75–427
Rushes–yards 32–145 44–183
Passing yards 128 244
Passing: compattint 19–25–0 18–31–1
Time of possession 28:13 30:18
Team Category Player Statistics
San Diego State Passing Jalen Mayden 19–25, 128 yards
Rushing Cam Davis 9 carries, 67 yards
Receiving Mark Redman 4 receptions, 53 yards
Colorado State Passing Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi 17–30, 202 yards, 1 INT
Rushing Justin Marshall 18 carries, 119 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Justus Ross-Simmons 4 receptions, 89 yards

vs Nevada

Nevada Wolf Pack (2–8) at Colorado State Rams (4–6) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Wolf Pack 3 10 7020
Rams 14 6 3730

at Canvas Stadium • Fort Collins, Colorado

  • Date: November 18th
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. MST/12:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: Temperature: 59 °F (15 °C) • Wind: SE at 4 miles per hour (6.4 km/h) • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 20,121
  • Referee: Cal McNeill
  • TV: MWN
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Statistics Nevada Colorado State
First downs 21 23
Plays–yards 73–327 65–414
Rushes–yards 43–133 34–169
Passing yards 194 245
Passing: compattint 21–30–2 15–31–1
Time of possession 35:30 24:30
Team Category Player Statistics
Nevada Passing Brendon Lewis 18/24, 169 yards
Rushing Sean Dollars 20 carries, 69 yards
Receiving Dalevon Campbell 5 receptions, 72 yards
Colorado State Passing Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi 15/30, 245 yards, 2 TD, INT
Rushing Justin Marshall 19 carries, 98 yards
Receiving Tory Horton 6 receptions, 78 yards, TD

at Hawaii

Colorado State Rams (5–6) at Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (4–8) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Rams 7 3 01424
Rainbow Warriors 7 7 7627

at Clarence T. C. Ching Athletics ComplexHonolulu, Hawaii

  • Date: November 25th
  • Game time: 9:00 p.m. MST/8:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: Temperature: 77 °F (25 °C) • Wind: E at 11 miles per hour (18 km/h) • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 11,013
  • Referee: Christian Watson
  • TV: SPEC PPV
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Statistics Colorado State Hawaii
First downs 21 26
Plays–yards 67–425 69–497
Rushes–yards 29–108 24–151
Passing yards 317 346
Passing: compattint 26–38–1 31–45–0
Time of possession 29:12 30:48
Team Category Player Statistics
Colorado State Passing Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi 26/38, 317 yards, 2 TD, INT
Rushing Justin Marshall 20 carries, 94 yards, TD
Receiving Tory Horton 9 receptions, 186 yards, TD
Hawaii Passing Brayden Schager 30/43, 320 yards, TD
Rushing David Cordero 5 carries, 52 yards
Receiving Steven McBride 6 receptions, 82 yards, TD

References