Colorado State Football: Game preview and prediction vs. Hawaii

Here’s a game preview for Colorado State football as they look to defend home turf in their Week 1 matchup with the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors.

After riding a 10-2 record to an eventual Las Vegas Bowl loss, the Colorado State Rams put together back to back 7-6 seasons under head coach Mike Bobo. However, with last year’s quarterback/wide receiver duo consisting of Nick Stevens and Michael Gallup now gone, the Rams will be looking for others to step up and keep the offense going strong.

The success of this offense will likely be determined by former Washington transfer K.J. Carta-Samuels. Carta-Samuels, a pro-style quarterback out of California, looks to make his first start as a Ram in this week’s matchup vs. Hawaii. While there are sure to be some kinks to iron out along the way, the Rams will be able to do so against a Hawaii team that finished 106th in team offense and defense in 2017.

Additionally, the Warriors will be searching for the replacements of quarterback Dru Brown and running back Diocemy Saint Juste. Those losses alone will be difficult to overcome, especially in the first game of the 2018 season. However, there is a possibility for a high scoring affair here, so here’s how to watch it go down this weekend.

Date: Saturday, Aug. 25
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Fort Collins, CO
Venue: Canvas Stadium
TV: CBS SN
Live Stream: CBS Sports Live

Keys to Victory

Colorado State’s objective in this game should be to execute the gameplan set out for them. This may sound obvious, but there isn’t a need for much more against a team like Hawaii. The Rams also have their fair share of losses, but a home matchup vs. Hawaii of all teams should provide an excellent opportunity to develop some chemistry as a team.

The Warriors, on the other hand, have a tougher mountain to climb as they travel all the way to Colorado to kick off the college football season. However, Hawaii did put together a strong rushing attack last season and would benefit by doing the same this year despite the loss of Saint Juste. However, the Warriors will also need a couple of turnovers considering the gap between the two teams.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Colorado State -14
Over/Under: 57

Prediction

Both of these teams will be searching for answers after numerous losses on both sides of the ball. However, Colorado State boasts the more talented team and are understandably the favorites. Hawaii certainly has a chance to make some noise in this one, but it’ll likely take an all-around exceptional effort for the Warriors to take home the victory.

Final Score: Hawaii 17, Colorado State 30