The No. 11 ranked BYU is scheduled to return to Fort Collins on Saturday night at 5:30 p.m. to face Colorado State. This matchup marks the highest ranking ever held by a visiting team in the history of Canvas Stadium since it opened in 2017.
Colorado State head coach Jim Mora stated that BYU is no longer an underdog but has become a powerhouse. Mora noted that the Cougars' ability to navigate a decade without a conference before joining the Big 12 serves as a roadmap for the Rams as they move to the new-look Pac-12 this summer.
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake, who is in his 11th year leading his alma mater, has overseen four 10-win seasons in the last six years. This includes an appearance in last year's Big 12 championship game and a No. 11 finish in the AP Top 25 poll, the program's highest full-season ranking since 1996.
The Rams enter the game with a 2-0 record, marking their first time reaching that mark in 15 years. Mora, who is 64 years old, described the game as a hefty challenge and expressed a commitment to fighting against the highly-ranked Cougars.
Key players to watch include BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier and linebacker Cade Uluave. For Colorado State, the Rams will rely on offensive lineman Quinton Harris and defensive back Elijah Brown.
Historically, BYU has held a 39-27-3 advantage over Colorado State and has won the last seven matchups. During the era between 1976 and 1993, when BYU achieved a national championship in 1984 under LaVell Edwards, the Rams went 1-16 against the Cougars.
