Quick Hits: Five Things to Know when SDSU plays Colorado State

A middling Colorado State is the opponent for what will be the Aztecs last home game until a month later on Nov 1 vs Wyoming. The Rams have been an underachieving team so far this year and are the third game the Aztecs are favored against this season so far.

Here are five things specifically to know about when the Aztecs host Colorado State on Friday.

1. Slumping

Colorado State is 1-3 on the season, a far cry from last years impressive performance in which they were one win away from the Mountain West Championship. FCS Northern Colorado gave them a game early in the season at home and then they slipped up against UTSA and got dominated last week by Washington State.

The Rams may play desperate for a win now in MW conference play. They may also be going through the motions if there is any behind closed doors issues or factions. College football is an emotional sport, so expect the unexpected.

2. QB Carousel

Opening day QB1 Braydon Fowler-Nicolosi and now starting QB Jackson Brousseau have both struggled to produce big plays for the offense. Who will the Aztecs see on Friday in the game?

I’d guess both if the Aztecs can make the starter struggle. The Rams have failed to produce explosive, big yard chunk plays. It will be interesting to see how quick the leash is for one over the other. What will decide if one gets pulled midway through the game?

3. Jay Norvell Demotes Himself

Head Coach Jay Norvell relinquished play calling duties of the offense in favor of Matt Mumme. It’s a very peculiar move for a head coach and offensive mastermind to do so. Was there internal pressure from CSU boosters applying heat to make this change?

Perhaps is this Norvell’s own admission he needs to lighten the load on his plate as head coach? Either way it will be fascinating to see if the offensive production will be similar to what the Aztecs have on tape for the Rams.

How aggressive will the Rams be as opposed to Norvell? The two coaches have worked together for a number of years, so the self demotion from Norvell doesn’t appear to be anything ominous for his own security. But perhaps the QB’s are taking better instruction from Mumme’s voice in the equation.

4. Last Dance vs Rams

This game marks the final time SDSU vs CSU will take place as members of the Mountain West Conference. Both were flagship partners since the beginning and well into the previous Western Athletic Conference.

Though this may not mean anything to the current players and staff, the fans and alumni sure care. Both teams want to tear down the Mountain West on the way out and the Aztecs hold a 22-15 edge on the way out.

5. Scoreless in San Diego

This game will be the first time Colorado State plays at SDSU’s new home, Snapdragon Stadium. Whether they realize it or not, no team has scored a single point there this 2025 season.

The Rams want nothing less than to be that team to do it. How wild can the Aztecs home field advantage play into the game? A Friday kick off is not ideal for big crowds in College Football.