September 22nd 2024.
The Rams had a nail-biting experience during their game last Saturday. After being beaten by their rivals at CU the previous week, and with a tough schedule ahead in October including games against Oregon State and conference play, CSU was determined to win against UTEP at Canvas Stadium. It turned out to be a much tougher game than expected, but the Rams managed to secure a 27-17 victory.
The key to their win was their well-executed running game, with Avery Morrow leading the way with 21 carries for 156 yards. Overall, the team had a total of 224 rushing yards. Special teams also made a significant contribution with a big play that set up an easy score. This made up for the defense's lackluster performance in the second half, after a dominant first-half display.
Despite the record-breaking crowd at the Rocky Mountain Showdown, Canvas Stadium was back to its usual half-empty form. However, the Rams were determined to show a strong response on the field after their disappointing loss to the Buffs. It wasn't the prettiest of wins, but it was a win nonetheless. Although, it didn't completely ease the concerns about the team's ability to make it to a bowl game for the first time since 2017.
It was a close game with UTEP, who had yet to win a game this season. CSU allowed their opponents to stay in the game during the first half and even mount a comeback in the second half. But thanks to Morrow, Justin Marshall, and a defensive line that finally flexed its muscles, the Rams managed to hold off the Miners and secure a 2-2 record before their bye week.
The Rams got off to a great start with a 12-play, 75-yard drive in the first quarter, finished off by a 2-yard touchdown run from Morrow. However, as the CSU defense forced UTEP to punt in their first three drives, the Rams' offense also lost its momentum. They were stopped on fourth down twice and punted once, and midway through the second quarter, things took a turn for the worse. Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, the redshirt sophomore quarterback, made a costly mistake by throwing an interception to UTEP cornerback AJ Odums while scrambling.
This gave the Miners a chance to score and they took it, with a 45-yard field goal bringing the score to 7-3 with 6:12 left in the first half. But CSU didn't let this setback get to them, and less than a minute later, Morrow broke through the UTEP defense and ran for a 73-yard touchdown. The second half saw CSU continue to add onto their lead, with Dane Olson blocking UTEP's punt in the third quarter, which led to a 5-yard touchdown pass from Fowler-Nicolosi to Armani Winfield.
A 37-yard field goal from Jordan Noyes extended the Rams' lead to 24-3, seemingly putting the game out of reach for the struggling Miners. However, UTEP found a way to fight back, scoring a touchdown on their next possession and narrowing the gap to 24-10. They continued to push in the fourth quarter and scored another touchdown, making it a tense 24-17 game with the Rams' lead in danger.
But the Rams' defense held strong and stopped UTEP's last-ditch effort to tie the game. With just two minutes left on the clock, Fowler-Nicolosi threw an interception that turned into a pick-six. However, the Rams were saved by an offsides call on the Miners, and two plays later, Noyes kicked a 39-yard field goal to secure a two-score lead with only 1:32 remaining. CSU managed to hold on to their lead until the end, avoiding a shocking upset. And with that, they were back on track with a much-needed win. For more sports news, sign up for the Sports Omelette and get all the latest updates on Denver's teams.
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