FORT COLLINS — Colorado State players say they will be playing with a chip on their shoulders Saturday night (CBS Sports Network) against Boise State in Hughes Stadium.
In blowout losses to the Broncos the past two years, CSU was outscored by a combined 105-27. If that weren’t ugly enough, Boise State outgained the Rams in total offensive yards by 1,245 to 460.
“I believe we will be ready,” CSU junior wide receiver Charles Lovett said. “This team has matured. We’re ready for this moment.”
Boise State (5-3, 3-1 Mountain West) has been bitten by injuries this season. That includes at quarterback, where junior Grant Hedrick will be making his second start as a replacement for Joe Southwick (fractured ankle).
But the Broncos almost always have an advantage in talent. “They look like the same Boise to me,” CSU quarterback Garrett Grayson said this week.
Colorado State (4-4, 2-1) comes off two straight Mountain West road games and is in the bowl conversation this late in the season for the first time since 2008, when the Rams played in the New Mexico Bowl. CSU entered Saturday night’s game knowing it must win three of its last five regular-season games to become bowl eligible.
CSU’s bowl hopes would not end with a loss to Boise State, which is a touchdown favorite. But a victory Saturday night by the Rams would enhance their postseason chances greatly.
It will be interesting to see how Colorado State handles that pressure. It’s been a while.
Tom Kensler: , tkensler@denverpost.com or
