2015
Colorado State
College Football
Betting Preview
Schedule and Odds
Like most teams, Colorado State would have a better chance at reaching the Mountain West title Game in the other division, but instead they are stuck with Boise State and Utah State. The Rams finished 10-3 last year, but lose their QB and RB. Their over/under is set at 7.5 wins (at 5 Dimes) and they have the fifth-best odds to win the MWC at +1800, surprisingly worse than Air Force, who has an over/under of 6.
Not only did Colorado State lose quarterback Garrett Grayson, but they’ll also be playing with a new head coach this year in Mike Bobo, Georgia’s former offensive coordinator. They have some pieces to work with, especially at wide receiver, but expecting to reach some of last year’s levels is unrealistic.
The battle at quarterback looks to be ongoing, but last year’s backup Nick Stevens had the advantage after spring. However, freshman Coleman Key could still win the spot before Games start. Both are young with limited experience. The Rams lost another top running back in Dee Hart (1,275 yards), but should have the replacements to come right in. Treyous Jarrells leads the group (450 yards, 6 TDs), but Purdue transfer Dalyn Dawkins should see time as well. The offensive line is another question with only two starters returning.
The player to watch on this offense is wide receiver Rashard Higgins (96 receptions, 1,750 yards, 17 TDs). He had more total receptions than any three other CSU receivers in 2014 and will see most of the looks once again. Higgins has NFL talent and will draw plenty of attention from opposing defenses, but will they have the quarterback to get him the ball?
The Rams were decent on the defensive side last year, but struggled against better teams, as seen in their three losses. Bobo wants to see more intensity out of the group and is switching back to a 4-3 after using a 3-4 in recent years. With eight returning starters, the players are there for the Rams to make some improvements.
They return Four starting DBs and are loaded with seniors along the line, notably Joe Kawulok and Terry Jackson. Linebacker Cory James will lead the defense and can play inside or outside. The problem for the Rams this year, and why their odds are worse, is that their Schedule is one of the toughest in the conference.
The Rams beat Colorado last year, but will be underdogs in that Game again, and have to play a feisty Minnesota team the week before. Their MWC Schedule is not friendly either, opening with Four difficult Games. While only one of those is on the road (Utah State), they still have to host Boise State, Air Force and San Diego State. Their Schedule eases up a bit later on, although they finish with three of Four on the road, including the season finale at Fresno State.
While their defense may be improved, the Rams will have a tougher time scoring with a new quarterback. And due to a tough Schedule, will likely regress in the wins department. Their over/under at 7.5 seems about right for this group, unless the new quarterback gels with Higgins immediately.
2015 Colorado State Football Schedule
Sept. 5 vs. Savannah State
Sept. 12 vs. Minnesota
Sept. 19 vs. Colorado (Mile High)
Sept. 26 at UTSA
Oct. 3 at Utah State
Oct. 10 vs. Boise State
Oct. 17 vs. Air Force
Oct. 31 vs. San Diego State
Nov. 7 at Wyoming
Nov. 14 vs. UNLV
Nov. 21 at New Mexico
Nov. 28 at Fresno State