October 27th 2024.
It was a beautiful autumn afternoon at Canvas Stadium, but it wasn't the high-scoring game that many fans were expecting. Despite the lower score, Colorado State University managed to secure a 17-6 victory over New Mexico, keeping their hopes alive for a Mountain West Conference title.
It was the 13th consecutive win for CSU against the Lobos, improving their record to 3-0 in the Mountain West and 5-3 overall. The sold-out crowd of 36,980 was treated to three key plays that ultimately sealed the Rams' third straight victory. A long touchdown pass to Caleb Goode, an impressive 82-yard punt return by Kobe Johnson, and a crucial fumble recovery by Henry Blackburn all contributed to the win.
Before Saturday's game, New Mexico had been scoring over 50 points in their last three matchups. Despite outgaining the Rams in total yardage, they were unable to find the end zone. CSU's 17-3 halftime lead was largely thanks to two significant plays.
Early in the second quarter, with the Lobos leading 3-0, quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi connected with Caleb Goode for a 46-yard touchdown pass. With Tory Horton, their star wide receiver, out for the season due to injury, Goode has stepped up as Fowler-Nicolosi's go-to target. His impressive one-handed catch and 85-yard touchdown last week against Air Force is a testament to his talent.
Kobe Johnson's 82-yard punt return added to CSU's lead, making it 14-3 with just over 12 minutes left in the first half. Johnson's speed and agility were on full display as he weaved through the defense and found an opening for the touchdown. The Rams' kicker, Jordan Noyes, also contributed with a 47-yard field goal just before halftime, giving them a comfortable 17-3 lead.
In the second half, New Mexico had an opportunity to get back in the game when they reached CSU's 1-yard line. However, a false start penalty and a fumble recovery by CSU's Cam Bariteau and Henry Blackburn shut down their chances of scoring. Despite being held scoreless in the second half, CSU's defense stepped up and prevented the Lobos from scoring, ending their two fourth-quarter drives with interceptions.
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