Wyoming (2-7, 2-3) at Colorado State (6-3, 4-0)

When/where: 18:00 Friday/Canvas Stadium

TV/Radio: CBS Sports Network/Rams Radio Network

BetMGM line: CSU -10.5, 47.5 over/under

Times: 33 degrees and clear skies

Series History: CSU leads 58-51-5

Three stories

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

It could be close to: The Rams are double-digit favorites as they look to hoist 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 has won just one of the last four meetings in Fort Collins, without a home win 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 stay on track for a spot in the Mountain West championship game, it needs to buck that trend in front of what should be a good crowd at Canvas Stadium.

Cowboys new-look 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 an 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 upside than it had earlier in the fall. CSU needs to be ready, especially without the services of star safety Jack Howell, who is injured.

Predictions

Kyle Newman, sports writer: CSU 31, Wyoming 23

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

Sean Keeler, sports columnist: CSU 27, Wyoming 18

Don’t you just love it when Battle for The Bronze Boot takes on a weird Friday flavor? Since Oct. 12, the Pokes have thrown it 32.2 times per game, while the Rammies, in the same span, have gone 4-0, averaging 36.8 times per contest. Wyoming may have finally “found” their franchise QB1 in freshman Kaden Anderson. But with the way CSU plays Craig Bohl Ball — ground, pound, deck, pounds, repeat — right now, it probably won’t matter.