It hasn’t been a dream start to the season for the Utah State Aggies or the Colorado State Rams. Both sides struggled in non-conference play and lost their conference openers meaning that this game takes on extra importance for both bowl eligibility and staying in the hunt for the conference title. This is one of a handful of late kick-offs late on Saturday night in Week 6 College Football action and one of two games featuring Mountain West teams.
This contest in Week 6 of the college football season will go down Saturday, October 8, 2016 at 10 p.m. ET at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium. This game will be broadcast on CBSS.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Colorado State +6
Utah State -6
Odds Analysis
The Aggies are 2-3 on the year but have played true to the oddsmakers, winning and covering each game that they were favored in and losing all three in which they were an underdog.
It’s been a bit more checkered for Colorado State. The Rams have covered both games in which they were a touchdown favorite, but didn’t come close to covering as a 5.5-point favorite against Wyoming last week, losing by 21.
Under has been a great play in each of these teams’ games this season. 8 of their combined 10 games have gone under the total and the two games that went over ended up over the total by just 1.5 points each.
Player to Watch
Mike Bobo seems like he is ready to stick with true freshman QB Collin Hill this season no matter what. Hill became the quarterback after less than impressive performances from Nick Stevens and Faton Bauta and is learning on the job.
It’s easy to see why Bobo is enamored with Hill. He’s tall and has an absolute cannon for an arm. While it’s somewhat surprising that Stevens was relieved so quickly after winning all-conference honors in 2015, it’s clear that this is going to be Colorado State’s quarterback of the future.
Key Stat
Utah State’s numbers are a little deceiving. Just glancing at the Aggies’ rushing numbers, you would assume that they haven’t been good at running the ball this season.
However, Utah State has played three of the best run defenses in the country in USC, Air Force, and Boise State and those numbers have been suppressed due to its competition. The Aggies had no problem running the ball in their wins against Arkansas State and Weber State earlier in the season and have been looking for a chance to let loose on the ground once again.
Colorado State provides the Aggies that opportunity. Wyoming ran wild against the Rams’ defense last week, carving the defense up to the tune of 269 yards on the ground. Utah State might not put up as much as yardage, but should have a lot more room to run this week.
Free ATS Pick
The main cause for concern for the Aggies is that they are coming off a road game last week at Boise and now must make another road jaunt. Utah State is 4-11 on the road in its last three seasons and has trouble scoring away from home.
Colorado State has had trouble with Utah State recently. The Aggies have won three of the last four meetings between these two and have also covered three of the last four.
It may be Homecoming for the Rams this week, but the Aggies are going to spoil the party. Utah State has more talent across the board and will be able to exploit mismatches to their advantage. Hill is a promising young quarterback, but is still pretty raw at this point, and although he will have flashes of brilliance, won’t be able to do enough to get the Rams a win.
College Football Odds: Aggies 30, Rams 23
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