Group of Five: 2017 college football preseason power rankings
By Zach Bigalke
In recent years, Colorado State has watched as rivals Air Force and Wyoming have surpassed Boise State for the MWC Mountain title. While neither was able to knock off San Diego State in the conference championship game, it still provides incentive for the Rams to maximize their gains in 2017. If they contend for the Mountain West, they will also threaten to steal the Group of Five bid into a New Year’s Six game.
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The season begins right off the bat with a home game against Oregon State. Then the Rams play in the annual Rocky Mountain Showdown against state rival Colorado at Mile High Stadium. Colorado State has fared well in the rivalry game in recent years, winning twice since 2012. With the defending Pac-12 South champions likely to regress in the upcoming year, this season’s tilt offers another winnable edition.
Should they win against both the Beavers and Buffaloes, the momentum from those statement wins against Pac-12 opponents would propel Colorado State right up the rankings. They have quarterback Nick Stevens back for a final season, along with running back Dalyn Dawkins and a cast of veteran receivers.
The Rams also return all but two starters on defense from last year’s team. Things are in place right now for Mike Bobo’s team to challenge for the Mountain West title. If they can become this year’s team to finish ahead of Boise State, the Rams have a shot at playing in the first major bowl game in school history.