Preview: Washington State Cougars vs. Colorado State Rams
By Andrew Dill
Nov 30, 2013; Fort Collins, CO, USA; Colorado State Rams offensive linesman Brandon Haynes (75) with the trophy following the win over the Air Force Falcons at Hughes Stadium. The Rams defeated the Falcons 58-13. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The Colorado State Rams (7-6, 5-3 in MW) will take on the Washington State Cougars (6-6, 4-5 in PAC-12) in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl to start off the bowl season Saturday afternoon. This will be the first meeting between the teams.
What: Gildan New Mexico Bowl: Colorado State vs. Washington State
When: Saturday, December 21st.
Where: University Stadium, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Time: 2:00 PM ET, 12:00 PM MT
Temperature: Lo: 27 degrees, Hi: 44 degrees.
TV: ESPN/WatchESPN
Colorado State is back in the postseason after four years while having player that has caught the nations eye in Kapri Bibbs. The half-back leads the nation with 28 rushing touchdowns while accumulating 1,572 yards on the ground as a sophomore. Meanwhile, quarterback Garrett Grayson has thrown for over 3,327 yards and are the only team in the nation to have a 3,000 yard passer and 1,500 yard rusher.
Washington State has adapted well under Mike Leach’s spread offense that is led by quarterback Connor Halliday. The junior is currently ranked fourth in the nation in passing yards at 4,187. Washington State stacks up well in the pass game however, as they are currently 4th in the nation averaging 364.5 passing yards per game. The problem with both of these teams however is the defensive side of the ball. Colorado State gives up around 28.6 points per game while Washington State has giving up 31.3 points per game.
Washington State opened their 2013 campaign against the now #2 ranked Auburn Tigers and nearly came away with the win, falling 31-24. The Cougars would have a chance to tie the game in the final minutes but quarterback Connor Halliday would throw an interception, his third of the game. Colorado State would have to face some tough competition of their own in the Alabama Crimson Tide. Colorado State trailed 17-0 after halftime but would put up six points in the third to make it interesting. Bama would however score 14 unanswered points in the fourth to take the 31-6 win. Ever since the loss to Alabama, Colorado State has gone 6-3.
Team Ranks:
Total Yards:
Washington State: 423.2 yards per game. 54th in the nation.
Colorado State: 461.2 yards per game. 29th in the nation.
Passing Yards:
Washington State: 364.5 yards per game. 4th in the nation.
Colorado State: 258.5 yards per game. 40th in the nation.
Rushing Yards:
Washington State: 58.7 yards per game. 126th in the nation.
Colorado State: 202.7 yards per game. 31st in the nation.
Points Scored:
Washington State: 29.8 points per game. 62nd in the nation.
Colorado State: 35.3 points per game. 22nd in the nation.