WSU (2-2) @ CSU (1-2) – Spread: Colorado State -5.5 (juiced at -210)
Coming off back-to-back defensive disasters — surrendering 59 points in each of the last two games — the Cougs are pulling out all the stops. And by that, I mean they’re turning to non-white road uniforms for the first time since 2022. I was in the visitor section that day in Tucson when Jayden de Laura threw four interceptions, and Jimmy Rodgers is surely hoping for a similarly opportunistic defense this Saturday. With the line heavily juiced toward Colorado State, bettors clearly saw early value on the Rams.
Colorado State Season Overview
Record: 1-2
Points Per Game: 19.3 (117th)
Points Allowed Per Game: 24 (76th)
RPI: 86
PPF Rank: 118
Similar Opponent: Lost @ Washington (38-21)
There’s still plenty of uncertainty around CSU early this season, mostly due to their recent quarterback change. In their last outing — a 17-16 home loss to UTSA — the Rams trailed 17-3 before redshirt sophomore Jackson Brousseau entered and led back-to-back touchdown drives. They ultimately fell short on a two-point try with 29 seconds left.
The Washington game looks closer on paper than it actually was; UW rolled up more yards against CSU than they did against WSU. Still, with Brousseau taking over at quarterback, this could be a different Rams team moving forward.
Impact Players – Offense
QB – Jackson Brousseau (R-So.)
Season: 10/12, 78 yards, 1 TD
Brousseau will make his first career start against WSU. With only one quarter of live snaps on film, Rodgers’ defense should be more prepared than UTSA was when he came off the bench. Still, facing one of the nation’s worst defenses at home is a pretty favorable spot for him.
RB – Jalen Dupree (So.)
40 carries, 199 yards, 1 TD; 5 rec, 46 yards
RB – Lloyd Avant (So.)
25 carries, 176 yards, 2 TD; 2 rec, 1 yard
What started as Dupree’s backfield has evolved into a near 50/50 split. Dupree brings a bit more in the passing game, but both backs will see plenty of touches.
WR – Armani Winfield (R-Jr.)
10 rec, 142 yards
CSU’s receiving corps has been by committee, but Winfield has emerged as their top option. He was shut out in the opener against Washington, but since then he’s been Brousseau’s most targeted receiver.
TE – Rocky Beers (R-Sr.)
4 rec, 38 yards, 1 TD
Yes, his name is Rocky Beers — and that alone earns him a mention. But he also caught two passes, including a touchdown, after Brousseau entered last week. He may become a bigger part of the offense moving forward.
Impact Players – Defense
LB – Owen Long (So.)
29 tackles
A team captain as a sophomore, Long has 13 more tackles than any teammate and is CSU’s highest-graded defensive starter on PFF. In coverage, opponents have completed 9 of 10 passes against him.
CB – Lemondre Joe (R-Sr.)
12 tackles, 2 sacks, 33.3% completions allowed
A grad transfer from Missouri State, Joe has been a major boost to the Rams’ secondary. He’s recorded two of the team’s three sacks and has allowed just five completions on 15 targets.