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Colorado State Football: Serious changes in 2020 just what Rams need

By Michael Hanich

Warren Jackson, Colorado State football (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Warren Jackson, Colorado State football (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Collin Hill, Colorado State football (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

How will Colorado State football fare in 2020?

The Rams have nowhere to go but up from the past two underwhelming seasons. Coach Addazaio has brought a great coaching staff that can play into the strengths of the players. They will play into the 2020 season with a manageable non-conference schedule and a tough conference schedule.

Here is the breakdown of the schedule for the Rams in 2020:

  • Game 1: Colorado (L) – The Rams are already facing a tough opponent against their rivals who are also in their first season under a new head coach.
  • Game 2: at Oregon State (L) – Oregon State is finally on the rebound and the Rams’ offensive line will not able to contain linebacker Hamilcar Rashad Jr., who had 14 sacks last season
  • Game 3: Northern Colorado (W) – The Rams get their first win of the season against an FCS team that accounted for a 2-10 record last season.
  • Game 4: at Vanderbilt (L) – The Rams have a very good chance to beat the Commodores on the road but their experienced defense will contain the Rams’ offense.
  • Game 5: Fresno State (W) – Colorado State has a great advantage against Fresno State as the home team.
  • Game 6: New Mexico (W) – The Rams will be able to rebound offensively against a depleted Lobos defense.
  • Game 7: at UNLV (W) – The Rebels are another team that is looking to completely rebuild their program.
  • Game 8: Wyoming (L) – Wyoming is more stable on both sides of the ball than the Rams, making it difficult to complete a potential upset.
  • Game 9: at San Diego State (L) – The Aztecs will be looking to fix up their team against San Jose State and the Rams before a tough three-week grind.
  • Game 10: at Air Force (L) – The Rams will face a Falcons team that returns three of their top four defensive linemen from last season.
  • Game 11: Utah State (L) – Utah State losses a key player on their team from last season but they will have an efficient playmaker as the season progresses.
  • Game 12: at Boise State (L) – The Rams will finish the season on a brutal road trip against the Boise State Broncos looking to make a College Football Playoff statement.

Prediction: 4-8 (3-5 in Mountain West play)

The Rams’ first season under Steve Addazio as their head coach will be a tough transition due to the competitive Mountain West Conference schedule. There is potential for the Rams to win some close games in the Mountain West including Wyoming, at Air Force, and Utah State. The Rams can also find themselves wins against Colorado, at Oregon State, and at Vanderbilt.

The Rams have the potential to create one of the most productive passing offenses in the Mountain West. Warren Jackson and Trey McBride will once again play like first-team all-conference players. The installment of coach Lynch’s offense with the Rams will create both productivity and consistency in the passing game. Colorado State’s offense suffered from inefficiency in scoring in the red zone.

Defensively, there are plenty of talented playmakers that can make an impact to defend against the highly productive offenses in the Mountain West. Look for the Rams’ defensive line to be one of the more productive units in the conference. Switching to a 4-3 defensive front will help the Rams’ defense more efficient with the aggressive pass rushers.

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