THROWBACK: BYU Football Faces Colorado State as Rams Look For Big Upset Fueled by Bold Aspirations | Justin Michael from DNVR Sports Previews BYU vs. CSU

A long-lost Mountain West rivalry is back as BYU Cougars travel to face the new-look Colorado State Rams—will the Rams’ explosive offense and aggressive defense be enough to topple BYU’s Big 12-caliber squad? Jake Hatch and Justin Michael offer an in-depth preview of this highly anticipated showdown, revisiting classic matchups and analyzing the ambitions driving both programs today. Can Colorado State, seeking to follow BYU’s path to national prominence, leverage recent investment and housekeeping moves to spring an upset on their former conference rival? Justin Michael spotlights quarterback Hauss Hejny, a Power 5-level talent whose dual-threat abilities have sparked CSU’s 2-0 start alongside playmakers Mel Brown and Durrell Robinson. On the perimeter, wideouts Jackson Harper and Terrence Smith add new dimensions to the Rams’ attack, while tight ends like Juice Vereen and Dominic Toy bring NFL frames and UConn chemistry to the fold. But the real question is: can this new cast, assembled from high-profile transfers and built with expanded NIL backing, gel quickly enough to threaten BYU’s proven system? Defensively, CSU boasts a ferocious edge with Oumar Diomande leading a unit ranked first nationally in turnover margin. The “jack” role, headlined by Kenyon Agurs and complemented by transfers like Brandon Kelly and Stefan Wright, puts pressure on opposing backfields while a rangy secondary led by Treshawn Moore looks to capitalize. However, scheme gamble creates risk—breakdowns against Southern Utah exposed vulnerabilities that BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier and running back LJ Martin are poised to exploit. Off the field, the Rams’ ambitions are clear: Jim Mora Jr. is building a program meant for a Power 4 future, with funding, facilities, and NIL commitments unheard of in much of the Group of 6. Hatch and Michael debate whether CSU’s aggressive roster strategy and modern approach will finally pay off, and what fans can expect from the vibrant Canvas Stadium game day experience—a far cry from the old Hughes days. Will BYU use their experience to maintain dominance, or can Colorado State’s new era break through and reclaim relevance on a national stage? This episode is your full scouting report on players, tactics, and the high stakes at play in a rivalry renewed.