As the college football season kicks off, it’s an exciting time for fans and teams alike. This week, we dive into a Q&A with Chase Dulude, a writer from Mountain West Connection who specializes in covering the Colorado State Rams. Heading into year four under the guidance of head coach Jay Norvell, the Rams are looking to build on last season’s 8-5 record and Arizona Bowl appearance. However, several factors will dictate their success in 2025.
### Year Four Under Jay Norvell
Jay Norvell’s tenure at Colorado State has shown gradual improvement, with each season yielding a better record than the last. However, Dulude notes that last year’s 8-5 record may not tell the full story. The Rams allowed more points than they scored and faced a relatively soft schedule, avoiding the Mountain West’s top teams. Their only loss to a team with a winning conference record came against Fresno State, and they suffered a significant defeat in the Arizona Bowl against Miami (OH).
Despite these challenges, Dulude forecasts another 8-5 record for the Rams this year, anticipating a Potato Bowl victory over Western Michigan. Still, he indicates that the Rams are unlikely to contend for the conference championship, suggesting that Norvell’s progress may be slower than expected given the financial and institutional support behind the program.
### The Offense: Quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicholosi
Quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicholosi enters his fourth year as the starter but experienced a regression in performance compared to his breakout 2023-24 campaign. Despite a solid season, concerns linger regarding the depth and quality of Colorado State’s receiving corps, especially with the absence of Tory Horton, an NFL Draft prospect due to injury. The projected starters—Ohio State transfer Kojo Antwi, along with Armani Winfield and Jordan Ross—have combined for less than 600 yards and three touchdowns.
Fowler-Nicholosi will need to leverage his big arm in Matt Mumme’s Air Raid offense, which emphasizes the passing game over the ground game. While running back Justin Marshall showed promise, the Rams’ success will largely hinge on how well Fowler-Nicholosi can connect with his receiving targets against a tough defense like that of the Washington Huskies.
### Defensive Changes and Tyson Summers
On the defensive side of the ball, Colorado State recently brought in Tyson Summers as the new defensive coordinator after his tenure at Western Kentucky. Known for generating turnovers and defensive touchdowns, Summers brings a fresh perspective to the Rams’ defensive scheme. However, the Rams are facing a significant rebuilding effort, with only five of last year’s defensive starters returning.
Among the returning players, Owen Long, Ayden Hector, and Dylan Phelps are expected to lead the defense. The team’s linebacker core has seen a significant overhaul, losing key players like Chase Wilson and Buom Jock, which could leave the Rams vulnerable. Jacob Ellis, a transfer from Iowa State, is expected to step up, but overall, the defense will have to perform above expectations if they wish to compete in the increasingly challenging Mountain West.
### Transitioning to the Pac-12
Major changes loom on the horizon for the Mountain West Conference, with several teams, including Colorado State, set to join the Pac-12 next season. This transition raises questions about Norvell’s ability to compete at a higher level. According to Dulude, while the move can be beneficial for the program in terms of exposure and resources, it may pose significant challenges for Norvell, especially given that many of the Rams’ recent successes stemmed from a favorable schedule.
The prospect of facing stronger opponents like Oregon State, San Diego State, and the various challenges that come with a power conference spot puts the pressure squarely on Norvell’s shoulders. With a track record of 2-5 against teams like Boise State and Fresno State, doubts regarding his long-term viability as head coach may arise if the Rams struggle.
### Expectations for the Season Opener
Looking to the immediate future, the Rams are set to face the Washington Huskies in their season opener. Dulude predicts a score of 38-21 in favor of Washington, as he believes the Huskies’ offense, which benefits from a solid offensive line, will find ways to exploit Colorado State’s defense. The Rams may score early, but it’s expected that they will struggle to keep pace as the game progresses.
### Conclusion
The 2025 season holds promise and uncertainty for the Colorado State Rams. Under Jay Norvell, the program appears to be on a growth trajectory, but substantial hurdles remain, especially with a talent-thin roster and an upcoming transition to the Pac-12. As the team prepares for their upcoming challenges, they will need to effectively leverage their offensive tools while fortifying a restructured defense to withstand the rigors of college football. The year ahead will be pivotal for establishing the Rams as a competitive force in their new conference and could define Norvell’s legacy in Fort Collins. For fans and analysts alike, this season promises to be one of intrigue and potential; only time will tell how well the Rams adapt and thrive in their ever-evolving landscape.
Source link
