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LARAMIE, WY - NOVEMBER 3: Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi (16) of the Colorado State Rams scrambles as DeVonne Harris (93) of the Wyoming Cowboys pressures during the second quarter of the Border War at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, Wyoming on Friday, November 3, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
LARAMIE, WY – NOVEMBER 3: Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi (16) of the Colorado State Rams scrambles as DeVonne Harris (93) of the Wyoming Cowboys pressures during the second quarter of the Border War at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, Wyoming on Friday, November 3, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Kyle Newman, digital prep sports editor for The Denver Post.
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Wyoming (2-7, 2-3) at Colorado State (6-3, 4-0)

When/where: 6 p.m. Friday/Canvas Stadium

TV/Radio: CBS Sports Network/Rams Radio Network

BetMGM Line: CSU -10.5, 47.5 over/under

Weather: 33 degrees and clear skies

Series History: CSU leads 58-51-5

Three storylines

CSU’s hog mollies: The Rams’ O-line has been central to CSU’s success this year. That unit’s consistency has allowed CSU to establish a run-game identity with 180.9 yards per game. And they’ve also allowed just eight sacks — tied for eighth-best in the nation. The Mountain West’s most experienced player, center Jacob Gardner, is driving that performance, but his 53-start streak is in jeopardy this week due to injury. He is questionable. Whether or not Gardner plays, “The Mob” should continue its trajectory against Wyoming, which can’t rush the passer (nine sacks is fourth-worst in FBS) or stop the run (196 yards allowed per game).

It could be close: The Rams are double-digit favorites as they look to pick up their second rivalry trophy of the season (also: Air Force), but recent Border War matchups suggest it will be a close contest, regardless of Wyoming’s struggles. CSU’s won only one of the last four meetings in Fort Collins, with no home victories since 2020. Four of the last five Border Wars have been decided by 10 points or less, and the Rams are 1-8 in the rivalry since 2015. If CSU wants to remain on track for a berth in the Mountain West championship game, they need to buck that trend in front of what should be a good crowd at Canvas Stadium.

New-look Cowboys offense: Junior Evan Svoboda started the Cowboys’ first eight games at QB, but then Wyoming head coach Jay Sawvel played both Svoboda and redshirt freshman Kaden Anderson against Utah State on Oct. 25. Anderson then made his first career start last week, throwing for 342 yards, three touchdowns and one interception in a 49-45 win over New Mexico. The QB change, along with the return of running back Harrison Waylee, who ripped off 170 yards in his season debut, gives this Pokes offense more juice than it had at the start of the fall. CSU must be ready, especially without the services of star safety Jack Howell, who is injured.

Predictions

Kyle Newman, sportswriter: CSU 31, Wyoming 23

Avery Morrow tops the 100-yard mark for the fifth time this season, with two touchdowns on the ground. Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi finds Caleb Goodie for a long TD pass on play-action. And the CSU defense forces two second-half Wyoming turnovers as the Rams reclaim the Bronze Boot and remain on track for the Mountain West title game. This one’s not as close as the score indicates.

Sean Keeler, sports columnist: CSU 27, Wyoming 18

Don’t ya love it when the Battle for The Bronze Boot takes on a Freaky Friday flavor? Since Oct. 12, the Pokes are throwing it 32.2 times per game while the Rammies over that same stretch have gone 4-0 running the ball an average of 36.8 times per contest. Wyoming might’ve finally “found” its franchise QB1 in freshman Kaden Anderson. But with the way CSU’s playing Craig Bohl Ball — ground, pound, punt, pound, repeat — right now, it probably won’t matter.

Matt Schubert, sports editor: CSU 27, Wyoming 20

Did the Cowboys solve their offensive issues when Kaden Anderson took over at quarterback? It’s certainly not hard to argue they’re better because of it. That said, this CSU secondary is a step up in class. A fresh Rams club coming off a bye should have enough juice to impose its will — especially in the trenches.

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