Colorado State throttles New Mexico, extends winning streak over the Lobos to 11

DENVER — 11 in a row. 

Colorado State (3-3) extended its winning streak against New Mexico (2-5) to 11 games with a 36-7 victory over the Lobos. The road win was CSU’s second of 2021 and improved the Rams’ record to .500 for the first time this season.

While the Lobos have struggled mightily on offense this year and did so once against CSU at home on Saturday, a double digit winning streak over a league opponent is always significant and worth mentioning. The fact that the Rams have not lost to the Lobos in 4,347 days now is absolutely absurd. That type of consistent success against a team that knows you well just doesn’t happen often, not even in the most lopsided of rivalries. It’s truly remarkable how the Rams have taken care of business in this series over the last decade-plus. 

Here’s how it all went down. 

CSU dominated the first half, as the Rams were able to hold a significant advantage in total yardage and time of possession. They were better on third down and in the Red Zone as well. Unfortunately, despite controlling the first 30 minutes, it only resulted in a 6 point halftime lead (13-7) due to a UNM punt return for a touchdown late in the second quarter. 

Coming out of the break the Rams responded well with a six-play, 75 yard drive that ended with David Bailey’s second touchdown run of the game. Playing his first significant snaps since going down on the first series at Iowa, Bailey was effective as the bell cow back in this one, especially in the Red Zone. While CSU has been inconsistent as an offensive unit in the Red Zone this year — at least when it comes to putting the ball in the end zone — Bailey remains CSU’s most reliable option near the goal line. What’s more, in the context of this game, the scoring drive set the tone for what was to come in the second half, and that’s pure domination. 

CSU’s passing game was not the flashiest approach in the world but for a second straight week it was effective enough for the Rams to stretch the field on their opponent, and allowed the Green & Gold to keep the chains moving. Todd Centeio played a big role in that, consistently displaying good touch on his throws down field, and making the right decisions with his reads. After a career day against San Jose State at home, CSU’s first-year starting quarterback finished 16-of-25 for 289 yards and a touchdown in this one. He also added 11 carries for 35 yards and was extremely effective in QB keeper situations. 

Centeio’s favorite target, as it tends to be, was Trey McBride. The veteran tight end led the Rams in every receiving statistic, finishing the victory with seven receptions for 135 yards. He did not score a touchdown on Saturday night but he played a big role in CSU keeping drives alive. He was a menace in the open field as well. On just about every catch he had it took multiple UNM defenders to bring him down. 

Just behind McBride was Ty McCullouch. The up-and-coming wide receiver had four grabs for 77 yards. Really, it was a nice night for a couple of different pass catchers. Gary Williams had the biggest highlight with a 43-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter. He’s now scored in two of the last three weeks and is proving to be a solid secondary option at tight end. 

Defensively it was a dominant evening for Chuck Heater’s group. They racked up five sacks and seven tackles for loss. The Rams also forced multiple turnovers for a second week in a row — a first half interception from Marshaun Cameron (DB), a third quarter fumble recovery from Dequan Jackson (LB), and a fourth quarter interception from Logan Stewart (DB). 

Aside from the big momentum plays, they just completely dictated the matchup. UNM couldn’t run, they couldn’t pass, they couldn’t convert on third down, and they’re probably lucky to not have gotten shut out at home. When it was all said and done, UNM finished with just 76 yards of total offense, which is the second-fewest allowed by a Rams team ever. 

Finally, it was yet another solid performance from Cayden Camper (K). He did miss his first field goal since Week 2 after drilling 13 in a row but Camper more than made up for it with five successful attempts (21, 47, 46, 25, 21). The Pueblo remains a consistent weapon for CSU. When the defense is playing as well as CSU’s has over the last month, being able to capitalize on drives with points, even if they’re just field goals, is extremely important. 

It was a slow start to 2021 for Steve Addazio’s squad but it’s clear that the Rams are playing with extreme confidence. A win over Utah State next week would go a long in way with helping their chances of qualifying for the postseason.