Colorado State Rams seek historic ranked win against BYU at Canvas Stadium
The Rams face No. 11/13 BYU on 19 September 2026, aiming to end a 24-year drought against ranked opponents and a 33-year home drought.
Colorado State Rams will host the No. 11/13 BYU Cougars at Canvas Stadium on 19 September 2026, in a matchup that carries significant historical weight for the Fort Collins program. The game, scheduled for 5:30 p.m., represents a critical opportunity for the Rams to secure their first victory against a ranked opponent since 2002 and their first home win against a ranked team since 1993.
The Rams enter the contest with a defensive performance that ranks among the best in the Football Bowl Subdivision. Colorado State has forced eight turnovers in two games, tying for first in the FBS, while maintaining a plus-seven turnover margin that is second in the nation. This defensive discipline contrasts with the Cougars, who have forced five turnovers without giving the ball away, holding a plus-five margin that ranks fifth in the FBS.
Offensively, the Rams have demonstrated an explosive capability, scoring 58 points against Southern Utah in their previous game. All seven touchdowns in that performance came on drives of four plays or fewer, with scoring plays ranging from 17 to 75 yards. This reliance on big plays is a defining feature of the current roster, though it presents a challenge against a high-calibre defensive unit.
Coach Jim Mora has acknowledged the need for balance, stating that while big plays are valued, the team must improve at sustaining drives. Mora emphasised the importance of converting short gains of two or three yards into medium gains of five to seven yards to control the tempo of the game. The Rams will need to combine their explosive potential with the ability to move the chains consistently to overcome BYU’s defensive strength.
The stakes of the matchup are heightened by the program’s recent history. In 2024, Colorado State lost 28-9 to Colorado in a performance characterised as meek and cautious, a result that contributed to the end of the Jay Norvell era. This stands in stark contrast to the 2023 season, when the Rams played an aggressive style in Boulder and nearly pulled a significant upset against their rivals.
As the Rams prepare for this high-profile encounter, the turnover battle is expected to be a decisive factor. With both teams possessing strong defensive units, the ability to force mistakes and capitalise on them will likely determine the outcome of this historic contest.
