2023 Colorado State Rams football team

The 2023 Colorado State Rams football team represented Colorado State University as a member of the Mountain West Conference (MW) during the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Led by second-year head coach Jay Norvell, the Rams played home games at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins, Colorado, .

2023 Colorado State Rams football
ConferenceMountain West Conference
Record5–7 (3–5 MW)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorMatt Mumme (2nd season)
Offensive schemeAir raid
Defensive coordinatorFreddie Banks (2nd season)
Base defense4–2–5
Home stadiumCanvas Stadium
Uniform
Seasons
← 2022
2024 →
2023 Mountain West Conference football standings
ConfOverall
Team W L  W L 
UNLV y 62  95 
Boise State y$ 62  86 
San Jose State 62  76 
Air Force 53  94 
Wyoming 53  94 
Fresno State 44  94 
Utah State 44  67 
Hawaii 35  58 
Colorado State 35  57 
Nevada 26  210 
New Mexico 26  48 
San Diego State 26  48 
Championship: Boise State 44, UNLV 20
  • $ – Conference champion
  • y – Championship game participant

Preseason

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Mountain West media poll

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The 2023 Mountain West preseason media poll was released on July 19. The Rams were predicted to finish seventh in the conference.[1]

Mountain West Conference media poll
Predicted finishTeamVotes (1st place)
1Boise State433 (28)
2Air Force364 (2)
3Fresno State351 (5)
4San Diego State338 (1)
5San Jose State293
6Wyoming281
7Colorado State201
8Utah State194
9UNLV177 (1)
10Hawaii102
11Nevada92
12New Mexico60

Schedule

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DateTimeOpponentSiteTVResultAttendance
September 25:00 p.m.Washington State*CBSSNL 24–5031,497
September 168:00 p.m.at No. 18 Colorado*ESPNL 35–43 2OT53,141
September 235:00 p.m.at Middle Tennessee*ESPN+W 31–2319,806
September 305:00 p.m.Utah Tech*
  • Canvas Stadium
  • Fort Collins, CO
MW NetworkW 41–2027,932
October 76:00 p.m.at Utah StateMW NetworkL 24–4422,864
October 147:45 p.m.Boise State
  • Canvas Stadium
  • Fort Collins, CO
FS1W 31–3034,901
October 215:00 p.m.at UNLVMW NetworkL 23–2522,585
October 285:30 p.m.No. 19 Air Force
  • Canvas Stadium
  • Fort Collins, CO (rivalry)
CBSSNL 13–3022,570
November 36:00 p.m.at WyomingCBSSNL 15–2427,905
November 115:00 p.m.San Diego State
  • Canvas Stadium
  • Fort Collins, CO
CBSSNW 22–1922,033
November 181:00 p.m.Nevada
  • Canvas Stadium
  • Fort Collins, CO
MW NetworkW 30–2020,121
November 259:00 p.m.at HawaiiMW NetworkL 24–2711,013

[2]

Game summaries

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Washington State

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Washington State Cougars (0-0) at Colorado State Rams (0-0) – Game summary
Period1234Total
Cougars710122150
Rams3002124

at Canvas StadiumFort Collins, Colorado

  • Date: September 2nd
  • Game time: 5:00 p.m. MST/4:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: Temperature: 88 °F (31 °C) • Wind: SW at 8 miles per hour (13 km/h) • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 31,497
  • Referee: Jeff Dahle
  • TV announcers (CBSSN): Dave Ryan (play-by-play), and Corey Chavous (analyst)
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
StatisticsWashington StateColorado State
First downs3018
Plays–yards556357
Rushes–yards9037
Passing yards466320
Passing: comp–att–int----
Time of possession37:4022:20
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Washington StatePassingCameron Ward27-49,451 yards, 3 TDs
RushingCameron Ward13 rushes, 40 yards, TD
ReceivingLincoln Victor11 receptions, 168 yards
Colorado StatePassingBrayden Fowler-Nicolosi13-20, 210 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
RushingAvery Morrow11 rushes, 29 yards
ReceivingJustus Ross-Simmons5 receptions, 123 yards, TD

at No. 18 Colorado

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Colorado State Rams (0-1) at No. 18 Colorado Buffaloes (2-0) – Game summary
Period1234OT2OTTotal
Rams147077035
No 18 Buffaloes1400147843

at Folsom FieldBoulder, Colorado

  • Date: September 16th
  • Game time: 8:00 p.m. MST/7:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: Temperature: 63 °F (17 °C) • Wind: SW at 6 miles per hour (9.7 km/h) • Weather: Clear
  • Game attendance: 53,141
  • Referee: Mike McCabe
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Mark Jones (play-by-play), Louis Riddick (analyst), and Quint Kessenich (sideline reporter)
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
StatisticsColorado StateNo. 18 Colorado
First downs2424
Plays–yards87-49972-418
Rushes–yards10270
Passing yards397348
Passing: comp–att–int35-48-338-47-1
Time of possession34:3725:23
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Colorado StatePassingBrayden Fowler-Nicolosi34-47, 367 yards, 3 TDs
RushingKobe Johnson15 carries, 54 yards
ReceivingTroy Horton16 receptions, 133 yards, 1 TD
No. 18 ColoradoPassingShedeur Sanders38-47, 348 yards, 4 TDs
RushingDylan Edwards10 carries, 57 yards
ReceivingXavier Weaver9 receptions, 98 yards, 1 TD

at Middle Tennessee

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Colorado State Rams (0-2) at Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (1-2) – Game summary
Period1234Total
Rams10071431
Blue Raiders1070623

at Johnny "Red" Floyd StadiumMurfreesboro, Tennessee

  • Date: September 23rd
  • Game time: 5:00 p.m. MST/4:00 p.m. PST
  • Game attendance: 19,806
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): TBD
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
StatisticsColorado StateMiddle Tennessee
First downs1826
Plays–yards378430
Rushes–yards33151
Passing yards345279
Passing: comp–att–int31-44-130-41-0
Time of possession26:0333:57
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Colorado StatePassingBrayden Fowler-Nicolosi30-43, 321 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
RushingAvery Morrow6 carries, 20 yards
ReceivingDallin Holker11 receptions, 112 yards, 1 TD
Middle TennesseePassingNicholas Vattiato30-41, 279 yards, 2 TDs
RushingNicholas Vattiato15 carries, 47 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingHolden Willis9 receptions, 118 yards, 1 TD

vs Utah Tech

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Utah Tech Trailblazers (FCS) (1–3) at Colorado State Rams (1–2) – Game summary
Period1234Total
Trailblazers (FCS)3143020
Rams14761441

at Canvas Stadium • Fort Collins, Colorado

  • Date: September 30th
  • Game time: 5:00 p.m. MST/4:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: Temperature: 79 °F (26 °C) • Wind: SW at 7 miles per hour (11 km/h) • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 27,932
  • Referee: Christian Watson
  • TV announcers (MW Network): TBD
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
StatisticsUtah Tech (FCS)Colorado State
First downs1825
Plays–yards68–34963–586
Rushes–yards35–16429–112
Passing yards185474
Passing: comp–att–int21–33–127–34–2
Time of possession34:1925:41
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Utah Tech (FCS)PassingKobe Tracy21/33, 185 yards, 2 TD, INT
RushingRonnie Walker Jr.20 carries, 83 yards
ReceivingRickie Johnson8 receptions, 69 yards
Colorado StatePassingBrayden Fowler-Nicolosi26/32, 462 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT
RushingVann Schield16 carries, 54 yards, TD
ReceivingTory Horton10 receptions, 227 yards, 3 TD

at Utah State

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Colorado State Rams (2–2) at Utah State Aggies (2–3) – Game summary
Period1234Total
Rams1700724
Aggies314141344

at Maverik StadiumLogan, Utah

  • Date: October 7th
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. MST/5:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 22,864
  • Referee: Michael Cuttone
  • TV announcers (MW Network): TBD
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
StatisticsColorado StateUtah State
First downs2028
Plays–yards83–32084–639
Rushes–yards26–9555–252
Passing yards225387
Passing: comp–att–int26–57–319–29–2
Time of possession27:1032:50
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Colorado StatePassingBrayden Fowler-Nicolosi26/57, 225 yards, 3 INT
RushingKobe Johnson17 carries, 56 yards, TD
ReceivingLouis Brown IV6 receptions, 54 yards
Utah StatePassingCooper Legas19/29, 387 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT
RushingDavon Booth14 carries, 141 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingTerrell Vaughn8 receptions, 143 yards, TD

vs Boise State

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Boise State Broncos (3–3) at Colorado State Rams (2–3) – Game summary
Period1234Total
Broncos71001330
Rams00102131

at Canvas Stadium • Fort Collins, Colorado

  • Date: October 14th
  • Game time: 7:45 p.m. MST/6:45 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: Temperature: 46 °F (8 °C) • Wind: SE at 4 miles per hour (6.4 km/h) • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 34,901
  • Referee: Jonathan Noli
  • TV announcers (FOX/FS1/FS2): TBD
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
StatisticsBoise StateColorado State
First downs2321
Plays–yards66–38475–401
Rushes–yards43–24621–42
Passing yards138359
Passing: comp–att–int15–24–232–54–1
Time of possession34:2325:37
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Boise StatePassingMaddux Madsen10/16, 110 yards, INT
RushingAshton Jeanty31 carries, 212 yards, 3 TD
ReceivingAshton Jeanty5 receptions, 42 yards
Colorado StatePassingBrayden Fowler-Nicolosi32/54, 359 yards, 3 TD, INT
RushingVann Schield15 carries, 51 yards, TD
ReceivingTory Horton10 receptions, 130 yards

at UNLV

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Colorado State Rams (2–4) at UNLV Rebels (5–1) – Game summary
Period1234Total
Rams01301023
Rebels0313925

at Allegiant StadiumLas Vegas, Nevada

  • Date: October 21st
  • Game time: 5:00 p.m. MST/4:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: None (Indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 22,585
  • Referee: Nolan Dumas
  • TV announcers (MW Network): Steve Cofield and Matt Neverett
Game information
First quarter

None

Second quarter
  • (14:15) UNLV – Jose Pizano 42-yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 26 yards, 3:58; UNLV 3–0)
  • (7:39) CSU – Jordan Noyes 33-yard field goal (Drive: 15 plays, 59 yards, 6:31; Tied 3–3)
  • (3:58) CSU – Avery Morrow 2-yard run, Jordan Noyes kick (Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 2:29; Colorado State 10–3)
  • (0:53) CSU – Jordan Noyes 27-yard field goal (Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 1:43; Colorado State 13–3)
Third quarter
  • (6:05) UNLV – Jose Pizano 43-yard field goal (Drive: 12 plays, 36 yards, 3:43; Colorado State 13–6)
  • (3:06) UNLV – Jose Pizano 25-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 19 yards, 3:01; Colorado State 13–9)
  • (3:58) UNLV – Donavyn Lester 11-yard run, Jose Pizano kick (Drive: 6 plays, 66 yards, 2:15; UNLV 16–13)
Fourth quarter
  • (7:36) UNLV – Jose Pizano 34-yard field goal (Drive: 16 plays, 78 yards, 7:40; UNLV 19–13)
  • (3:49) CSU – Justus Ross-Simmons 20-yard pass from Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, Jordan Noyes kick (Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 1:46; Colorado State 20–19)
  • (1:27) UNLV – Jose Pizano 46-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards, 2:17; UNLV 22–20)
  • (0:44) CSU – Jordan Noyes 55-yard field goal (Drive: 7 plays, 37 yards, 0:43; Colorado State 23–22)
  • (0:00) UNLV – Jose Pizano 28-yard field goal (Drive: 6 plays, 56 yards, 0:40; UNLV 25–23)
StatisticsColorado StateUNLV
First downs1925
Plays–yards64–37282–491
Rushes–yards31–13746–138
Passing yards235353
Passing: comp–att–int21–33–127–36–0
Time of possession26:0533:55
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Colorado StatePassingBrayden Fowler-Nicolosi21/32, 235 yards, TD
RushingVann Schield11 carries, 90 yards
ReceivingDallin Holker4 receptions, 80 yards
UNLVPassingJayden Maiava27/36, 353 yards
RushingVincent Davis17 carries, 63 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingJacob De Jesus9 receptions, 120 yards

vs No. 19 Air Force

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No. 19 Air Force Falcons (7–0) at Colorado State Rams (3–4) – Game summary
Period1234Total
No. 19 Falcons7610730
Rams0130013

at Canvas Stadium • Fort Collins, Colorado

Game information
First quarter
  • (05:03) AF TD – Zac Larrier 9-yard pass to Dane Kinamon, Matthew Dapore kick
    Drive: 12 plays, 54 yards, 6:44; Air Force 7–0
Second quarter
  • (14:38) CSU TD – Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi 61-yard pass to Justus Ross-Simmons, Jordan Noyes kick
    Drive: 1 plays, 54 yards, 0:08; Tied 7–7
  • (07:15) CSU FG – Jordan Noyes 40-yard field goal
    Drive: 12 plays, 67 yards, 3:44; Colorado State 10–7'
  • (04:00) AF TD – John Lee Eldridge III 10-yard rush, Matthew Dapore PAT failed
    Drive: 3 plays, 11 yards, 1:31; Air Force 13–10
  • (00:45) CSU FG – Jordan Noyes 49-yard field goal
    Drive: 8 plays, 43 yards, 3:15; Tied 13–13'
Third quarter
  • (08:58) AF TD – Zac Larrier 1-yard rush, Matthew Dapore kick
    Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 6:02; Air Force 20–13
  • (00:45) AF FG – Matthew Dapore 29-yard field goal
    Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 4:47; Air Force 23–13'
Fourth quarter
  • (08:51) AF TD – Emmanuel Michel 5-yard rush, Matthew Dapore kick
    Drive: 3 plays, 36 yards, 2:00; Air Force 30–13
StatisticsAir ForceColorado State
First downs1817
Plays–yards64–29364–339
Rushes–yards57–26119–42
Passing yards32297
Passing: comp–att–int4–7–028–45–0
Time of possession35:5824:02
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Air ForcePassingZac Larrier4/7, 32 yards, TD
RushingEmmanuel Michel20 carries, 130 yards, TD
ReceivingBrandon Engel1 reception, 14 yards
Colorado StatePassingBrayden Fowler-Nicolosi28/45, 297 yards, TD
RushingVann Schield14 carries, 53 yards
ReceivingJustus Ross-Simmons8 receptions, 128 yards, TD

at Wyoming

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Colorado State Rams (3–5) at Wyoming Cowboys (5–3) – Game summary
Period1234Total
Rams070815
Cowboys3714024

at War Memorial StadiumLaramie, Wyoming

  • Date: November 3rd
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. MST/5:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 49 °F (9 °C)
  • Game attendance: 27,905
  • Referee: Patrick Foy
  • TV announcers (CBSSN): Chris Lewis, Robert Turbin, and Emily Proud
Game information
First quarter
  • WYO – John Hoyland 30-yard field goal, 6:14. Cowboys 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 66 yards, 6:21.
Second quarter
  • WYO – Gunner Gentry 9-yard pass from Andrew Peasley (John Hoyland kick), 14:34. Cowboys 10–0. Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards, 4:12.
  • CSU – Louis Brown IV 18-yard pass from Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi (Jordan Noyes kick), 7:45. Cowboys 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 2:40.
Third quarter
  • WYO – Ayir Asante 11-yard pass from Andrew Peasley (John Hoyland kick), 5:53. Cowboys 17–7. Drive: 6 plays, 38 yards, 2:20.
  • WYO – Sam Scott 6-yard run (John Hoyland kick), 1:08. Cowboys 24–7. Drive: 8 plays, 46 yards, 3:41.
Fourth quarter
  • CSU – Dylan Goffney 9-yard pass from Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi (Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi pass from Tory Horton), 11:07. Cowboys 24–15. Drive: 3 plays, 38 yards, 1:22.
StatisticsColorado StateWyoming
First downs2021
Plays–yards63–27467–334
Rushes–yards21–5445–194
Passing yards220140
Passing: comp–att–int24–42–215–22–1
Time of possession23:2036:40
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Colorado StatePassingBrayden Fowler-Nicolosi24/42, 220 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
RushingAvery Morrow11 carries, 39 yards
ReceivingTory Horton7 receptions, 58 yards
WyomingPassingAndrew Peasley15/22, 140 yards, 2 TD, INT
RushingHarrison Waylee29 carries, 128 yards
ReceivingAlex Brown2 receptions, 32 yards

vs San Diego State

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San Diego State Aztecs (3–6) at Colorado State Rams (3–6) – Game summary
Period1234Total
Aztecs0061319
Rams5107022

at Canvas Stadium • Fort Collins, Colorado

  • Date: November 11th
  • Game time: 5:00 p.m. MST/4:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: Sunny, Temperature: 52 °F (11 °C), Wind: SW 5 mph
  • Game attendance: 22,0333
  • Referee: Kenneth Ray
  • TV announcers (CBSSN): Dave Ryan (play-by-play) and Malik Zaire (analyst)
Game information
First Quarter
  • (5:58) CSU - Mohamed Kamara safety; 2 plays, -7 yards, 1:29 (Colorado State 2-0)
  • (2:42) CSU - Jordan Noyes 34 yard field goal; 4 plays, 1 yard, 1:27 (Colorado State 5-0)
Second Quarter
  • (10:22) CSU - Jordan Noyes 30 yard field goal; 14 plays, 75 yards, 5:17 (Colorado State 8-0)
  • (4:19) CSU - Dallin Holker 1 yard run (Jordan Noyes kick); 8 plays, 90 yards, 4:08 (Colorado State 15-0)
Third Quarter
  • (10:10) SDSU - Gabriel Plascencia 22 yard field goal; 6 plays, 71 yards, 2:57 (Colorado State 15-3)
  • (7:31) CSU - Justin Marshall 5 yard run (Jordan Noyes kick); 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:39) (Colorado State 22-3)
  • (3:06) SDSU - Gabriel Plascencia 38 yard field goal; 9 plays, 45 yards, 4:18 (Colorado State 22-6)
Fourth Quarter
  • (11:37) SDSU - Jalen Mayden 8 yard run (Two-point pass conversion failed); 9 plays, 46 yards, 4:26 (Colorado State 22-12)
  • (2:04) SDSU - Jaylon Armstead 1 yard run (Gabriel Plascencia kick); 14 plays, 80 yards, 6:30 (Colorado State 22-19)
StatisticsSan Diego StateColorado State
First downs1722
Plays–yards57–27375–427
Rushes–yards32–14544–183
Passing yards128244
Passing: comp–att–int19–25–018–31–1
Time of possession28:1330:18
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
San Diego StatePassingJalen Mayden19–25, 128 yards
RushingCam Davis9 carries, 67 yards
ReceivingMark Redman4 receptions, 53 yards
Colorado StatePassingBrayden Fowler-Nicolosi17–30, 202 yards, 1 INT
RushingJustin Marshall18 carries, 119 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingJustus Ross-Simmons4 receptions, 89 yards

vs Nevada

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Nevada Wolf Pack (2–8) at Colorado State Rams (4–6) – Game summary
Period1234Total
Wolf Pack3107020
Rams1463730

at Canvas Stadium • Fort Collins, Colorado

  • Date: November 18th
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. MST/12:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: Temperature: 59 °F (15 °C) • Wind: SE at 4 miles per hour (6.4 km/h) • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 20,121
  • Referee: Cal McNeill
  • TV: MWN
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
StatisticsNevadaColorado State
First downs2123
Plays–yards73–32765–414
Rushes–yards43–13334–169
Passing yards194245
Passing: comp–att–int21–30–215–31–1
Time of possession35:3024:30
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
NevadaPassingBrendon Lewis18/24, 169 yards
RushingSean Dollars20 carries, 69 yards
ReceivingDalevon Campbell5 receptions, 72 yards
Colorado StatePassingBrayden Fowler-Nicolosi15/30, 245 yards, 2 TD, INT
RushingJustin Marshall19 carries, 98 yards
ReceivingTory Horton6 receptions, 78 yards, TD

at Hawaii

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Colorado State Rams (5–6) at Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (4–8) – Game summary
Period1234Total
Rams7301424
Rainbow Warriors777627

at Clarence T. C. Ching Athletics ComplexHonolulu, Hawaii

  • Date: November 25th
  • Game time: 9:00 p.m. MST/8:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: Temperature: 77 °F (25 °C) • Wind: E at 11 miles per hour (18 km/h) • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 11,013
  • Referee: Christian Watson
  • TV: SPEC PPV
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
StatisticsColorado StateHawaii
First downs2126
Plays–yards67–42569–497
Rushes–yards29–10824–151
Passing yards317346
Passing: comp–att–int26–38–131–45–0
Time of possession29:1230:48
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Colorado StatePassingBrayden Fowler-Nicolosi26/38, 317 yards, 2 TD, INT
RushingJustin Marshall20 carries, 94 yards, TD
ReceivingTory Horton9 receptions, 186 yards, TD
HawaiiPassingBrayden Schager30/43, 320 yards, TD
RushingDavid Cordero5 carries, 52 yards
ReceivingSteven McBride6 receptions, 82 yards, TD

References

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  1. ^ "Mountain West Football Media Predicts 2023 Order Of Finish". July 19, 2023. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  2. ^ "2023 Colorado State Football Schedule".
  3. ^ "https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/401532603". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 21, 2023.