Behind Enemy Lines: Q&A with Colorado State expert

How do Colorado State fans feel going into this game?

Fans feel excited for a fresh start and optimism for the future. But as excited as we were when this game was added to the schedule a few years ago, there is now the sentiment of wishing this wasn’t the first game on the schedule for this team. Sending so many young starters to play against a top-10 program coming off a CFB Playoff appearance last year is less than ideal.

Unfortunately for Ram fans, a suspect offensive line and young, inexperienced quarterback is not a formula that breeds confidence, particularly in a game against an opponent of this caliber. Matt Mumme has said his goal is for the offense to average 30 points per game this year, which is refreshing to hear (the Rams only scored 30+ three times last season), but doing that Saturday is going to be a challenge. On defense, defensive coordinator Freddie Banks (who served in the same role for FCS runner-up Montana State last year) wants his unit to create pressure without blitzing as much as possible. It will be interesting to see if they’re able to do that against Michigan football, which has the top offensive line in college football.

Cade McNamara may also have a little extra motivation against CSU, as his younger brother Jake was a QB commitment under Addazio, but seemingly wasn’t re-offered by the new coaching staff and thus decommitted and ended up at UTEP this year.