Colorado State vs Minnesota - Rams' keys to the game

FORT COLLINS – For Colorado State to have a chance to beat the University of Minnesota, they’ll have to do just about everything right. The Rams head into Saturday as more than a two-touchdown underdog to the Golden Gophers.

Here are the five keys to the game:

Stay with the running game

It would be a little over-the-top to think the Rams offensive line will have much success against the Golden Gophers’ front seven. Minnesota gives up just 99 yards rushing per game. They have powerful defensive tackles and speed edge rushers that present a matchup nightmare for any offense. Nonetheless, CSU needs to stick with the ground game even if it means just a few yards here and there.

Game management

Don’t count on Collin Hill to throw four touchdown passes in the first half again on Saturday. The true freshman needs to take on the role of game manager and avoid the costly mistake. Remember that CSU has an All-American punter, so it’s not necessarily a bad thing if every possession for the Rams doesn’t result in points.

Can the defense get a momentum-changing takeaway?

Yes, the Minnesota offense will put up points, but can the CSU defense generate a turnover when they need to? Braylin Scott has quickly turned into a ballhawk after picking off passes in consecutive weeks. Look for defensive coordinator Marty English to put him in a position to continue that streak.

Will Mitch Leidner be contained?

As a starter, the Minnesota quarterback owns an 18-13 record. He’s moving through the school’s all-time QB ranks in a number of categories including rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, passing yards, passing touchdowns and completion percentage. You get the idea – he’s the engine that makes this offense go. How will the CSU defense prevent him from being the difference in the game?

Get a big play out of special teams

Mike Bobo said earlier in the week that his team could use an explosive play from special teams this week. That could be a punt return from Robert Ruiz or even a forced fumble and recovery by the coverage unit. Maybe the Rams consider an onside kick to catch Minnesota off guard?