The Steve Addazio Era has its first dance card. And CSU is opening its 2020 football schedule with an opponent the Rams have dominated for a decade.
CSU hosts New Mexico to open its eight-game slate at home Oct. 24 in a meeting of two first-year head coaches in Addazio, who was hired last December to replace Mike Bobo, and the Lobos’ Danny Gonzalez.
The Rams have beaten New Mexico 10 straight times dating back to 2010, including a 35-21 victory last October in Albuquerque.
Addazio will get his first crack in a rivalry game two weeks later, when his Rams host Wyoming in the Border War showdown on Nov. 7. CSU visits Air Force in its sixth game on Nov. 28.
CSU will play four contests at home and four on the road this fall. The Mountain West Conference announced dates and opponents Thursday afternoon but times have yet to be finalized for television network assignments.
The Rams said some dates could be moved by CBS or Fox networks to broadcast windows on Thursday or Friday night on short notice, but the opener against the Lobos wasn’t expected to be one of them.
CSU officials are hoping fans will be able to attend Canvas Stadium but athletic director Joe Parker told fans late last month that the school hadn’t yet received approval from the governor’s office for spectator attendance. Itap not expected that the stadium, regardless of state orders, will be allowed to open at 100% capacity this fall.
The seating situation is expected to be similar at Air Force. The Falcons open their season by hosting Navy on Saturday as part of the Commander-in-Chief Trophy series.
The MW will play without divisions this year. The two schools with the highest league winning percentage will meet in the conference championship game on Dec. 19.
2020 Colorado State Football Schedule
Oct. 24 — New Mexico
Oct. 31 — at Fresno State
Nov. 7 — Wyoming
Nov. 14 — at Boise State
Nov. 21 — UNLV
Nov. 28 — at Air Force
Dec. 5 — at San Diego State
Dec. 12 — Utah State
Dec. 19 — MW Championship (Host site)
2020 Air Force Football Schedule
Oct. 3 — Navy (CBS SN), 4 p.m.
Oct. 24 — at San Jose State
Oct. 31 — Boise State
Nov. 7 — at Army (CBS), 9:30 a.m.
Nov. 14 — at Wyoming
Nov. 21 — New Mexico
Nov. 28 — Colorado State
Dec. 5 — at Utah State
Dec. 12 — Open
Dec. 19 — MW Championship (Host site)