August 27th 2024.
Fort Collins, a quaint city nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, is home to one of the most beloved college football teams in the country. And the best way to join this elite group? Well, it's simple: just beat 'em.
Cincinnati has proven this strategy to be successful, with an upcoming game against Notre Dame in 2021. UCF also made a name for themselves when they defeated Auburn in the 2018 Peach Bowl. But it's not just these newer teams that have taken down the giants of college football. The likes of BYU, with victories over Ole Miss, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Tennessee, have also shown that nothing is impossible.
But there is one team in Fort Collins that has yet to achieve this feat. Colorado State University, or CSU, came oh-so-close to defeating Deion Sanders' team last September. It was a missed opportunity that haunts every Rams fan, as they reminisce about the one that got away.
Former NFL quarterback and FOX Sports college football analyst Brock Huard understands the importance of taking down the big names in college football. He believes that coaches like Pat Hill, Houston Nutt, Dan Hawkins, and Chris Petersen put their teams on the map by slaying the Power 5 giants. And that is the same hammer that Jay Norvell, CSU's coach, must wield to elevate his team to the next level.
But it's not just about wins and losses on the field. In the world of college football, having skin in the game is crucial. And to do that, you need pelts on the wall. This is where CSU falls short compared to teams like Cincinnati, UCF, and BYU, who have all secured spots in the prestigious Big 12 conference.
There are various reasons, some valid and some not, as to why these teams have made it to the top while CSU remains on the sidelines. But one thing is for sure: the Rams' record against ranked Power 5 teams since 2004, a staggering 0-10, does not help their case. When the big-name schools come to town, CSU has often shown them their belly instead of putting up a fight.
However, to be fair, many of these losses were part of the "guarantee" games, where CSU received a hefty paycheck for taking on the likes of Alabama, Michigan, Iowa, and USC. And with a new stadium to pay for, it's hard to turn down these opportunities. But at the same time, it's a vicious cycle that keeps the Rams from being taken seriously on the national stage.
This Saturday, CSU will once again face a formidable opponent in the season-opener against the University of Texas. And as a 32.5-point underdog, the odds are not in their favor. But Coach Norvell knows that to compete with a team like Texas, you need to be prepared for their speed and athleticism, which is something the Lone Star State is known for.
College football is currently going through a chaotic phase, with television, the transfer portal, NIL deals, and the Supreme Court all playing a role in the madness. In this environment, every dollar and every eyeball matters. And the best way to get people to tune in is by knocking off the big boys, the ones everyone came to watch in the first place.
CSU quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi understands the importance of making a statement early in the season. He knows that anything can happen in football and that the Rams have the potential to shock the world.
But let's be real, this game against Texas on paper looks like a bridge too far. Quinn Ewers, a high school quarterback from Texas, is already being touted as a top NFL prospect for the 2025 draft. And that's not even mentioning the countless other talented players that the state produces year after year. In Texas, even the leftovers are top-notch, and the Longhorns have first pickings.
To have a chance against a team like Texas, CSU needs to play a near-perfect game. Winning the turnover battle will be crucial, as one mistake could mean the difference between a close game and a blowout. And the Rams need to remember their season-opener against Michigan in 2022, where they were sacked seven times and suffered a humiliating 51-7 defeat.
But Coach Norvell believes that this year's team is better prepared than ever before. He acknowledges that his first year at CSU was tough, but he sees a committed and excited roster that wants to make their mark at the university. And that makes all the difference.
In the world of college football, anything can happen. Just last weekend, Georgia Tech, with an 11-point underdog, defeated Florida State in a thrilling game. And with the news that two of Texas' running backs will be out for the season, the Rams may have a glimmer of hope.
But for CSU to truly make a name for themselves and move up the college football food chain, they need someone at a TV network to take notice. It's not enough to have a beautiful stadium, as impressive as Canvas Stadium may be. They need to capture the hearts of viewers and shoot ratings through the roof.
In the end, it's all about winning. And even if CSU loses to Texas, a close game will still be seen as a win in the eyes of many. It's a win-win situation for the Rams, as they continue to build their program and make a name for themselves. And who knows, maybe one day, they'll be the ones handing out the big checks to the Power 5 schools.
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