Pac-12 Clash: CSU Rams Take On Utah State

Colorado State quarterback Hauss Hejny will attempt to secure his second consecutive start in the Pac-12 when the Rams travel to Logan, Utah, to face Utah State at 1:30 p.m. Saturday. The game will take place at Maverik Stadium under cloudy skies with a high of 58 degrees and a chance of showers. Broadcasts will air on USA Sports and the Rams Radio Network.

The Rams enter the contest with a 3-4 record, while the Aggies sit at 2-5. Both teams hold a 1-2 mark in conference play. CSU leads the all-time series against Utah State 40-38-2. The Rams won their previous meeting in 2024 with a 42-37 victory in Fort Collins.

Hejny returned from injury last week to lead Colorado State past San Diego State. In that game, he threw for 333 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for 85 yards and two scores. That performance marked the Rams' first win in the rebuilt Pac-12. The quarterback faces a difficult task, however, as the CSU defense ranks last in the nation, allowing 535.3 yards per game.

The Rams hope to improve their defensive performance against an Aggies offense that ranks 128th of 138 Division I FBS teams. Utah State averages 306.4 yards per game and converts on third down only 35.8% of the time. CSU has not held an opponent under 40 points since defeating Southern Utah on Sept. 12.

The Rams offense will be without tight end Juice Vereen, who was injured during the San Diego State game. Head coach Jim Mora described Vereen's injury as pretty significant. Wideout RJ Vick, who has missed two games, is expected to return. Leading rusher Mel Brown is questionable to play after leaving the San Diego State contest with an injury.

Sportswriters for The Denver Post offer varied predictions for Saturday's matchup. Kyle Newman picks CSU 42, Utah State 38, noting that Hejny will likely do enough to secure a win. Troy Renck predicts CSU 34, Utah State 33, citing the offensive struggles of both teams. Sean Keeler forecasts Utah State 37, CSU 32, pointing to the Rams' defensive lapses. Sports editor Nate Peterson selects CSU 42, Utah State 31, viewing the game as a chance for the Rams to build confidence before facing Boise State.

The betting line at BetMGM lists CSU as a 3.5-point favorite. The over/under for total points is set at 63.5. This contest serves as a critical test for the Rams' ability to maintain momentum in their new conference alignment.