For the record: The Rams almost pulled off their biggest win in recent memory but lost to BYU 45-42 to fall to 4-5, 2-3 Mountain West.
Streaking: Place-kicker Jason Smith has been money on 12 consecutive field goals and 73 PATs.
Who’s hot: Dion Morton had a career-high six receptions and 129 yards against BYU and also completed his second career pass.
Who’s not: Special teams, other than place-kicking. Injuries in the secondary have taken a significant toll on coverage units, especially kickoffs. BYU returned six kickoffs for 143 yards.
Key stat: CSU ranks third in the Mountain West turnover margin at plus-6. Air Force is second at plus-10.
FYI: CSU needs to win two of the last three (at AFA, New Mexico, at Wyoming) for bowl eligibility. AFA is the only remaining foe with a winning record, and CSU doesn’t have to get on an airplane for the rest of the season. . . . QB Billy Farris posted back-to-back three-touchdown games for the first time of any Ram since Justin Holland in 2005. Redshirt freshman safety Elijah-Blu Smith had nine stops— tied with Jake Galusha for second on the team — in his first career start.
Injury report: No new injuries.
Coachspeak: “Air Force is an entirely different type of team.” — CSU defensive coordinator Larry Kerr, after BYU QB Max Hall threw five TD passes against the Rams
Natalie Meisler, The Denver Post
