Colorado State will take the field at the Alamodome on September 26 for its first road game of the season against UTSA, ending a stretch since November 22 of last year without an away match. The Rams opened 2026 with three home games, making this trip a significant test.
Jim Mora, Colorado State’s head coach, has been candid about the Rams’ defensive struggles. “Yeah, I wouldn’t even throw the ball. I would run it every play,” he said, pointing to CSU’s ranking of 134th out of 138 FBS teams in rushing yards allowed per game, giving up 227 yards on the ground. The Rams have conceded five rushing touchdowns and 332 yards to BYU last week, and 244 rushing yards plus two touchdowns to FCS side Southern Utah earlier.
Linebacker Jaseim Mitchell acknowledged that opponents will target the run game. “You know they’re going to try us on defense with the run game since the past two games we let up a couple touchdowns. We’ve got to be ready for that and we’re going to be ready,” he said. “It’s a personal challenge. We have that bitter taste in our mouth from last game, so we’re going to hit back harder.”
Mora’s blunt assessment sets a clear agenda: UTSA could well lean heavily on the ground game. But there’s another layer to this matchup. UTSA’s defense has similar issues against the run, ranking 135th in the FBS, allowing 232 rushing yards per game. “Run the ball and stop the run are the things I’ve always felt are most important when you go on the road,” Mora added. “If you’re running the ball effectively on offense, you’re keeping their offense (off) the field and you’re keeping their fans from getting too involved.”
That suggests the game could revolve around physicality and control rather than trick plays or flashy passing. With CSU’s quarterback situation uncertain, this might push the Rams to lean heavily on running backs Mel Brown and Durell Robinson.
Colorado State faces another question mark at quarterback. Starting QB Hauss Hejny left last week’s loss to BYU in the first quarter with a hamstring injury. Mora said the coaching staff would wait until the last minute to decide if Hejny can play. K’saan Farrar, who competed with Hejny in preseason, stepped in and was later replaced by Darius Curry after Farrar was hit in the eye. Curry’s performance gave Mora some comfort, but the inexperience of the backups suggests the offense may operate with “some level of cautious aggressiveness,” Mora said.
Despite this, Mora insisted that CSU will not hold back offensively regardless of who is under center. The Rams will try to protect the ball and capitalize on any big-play opportunities to stay competitive.
UTSA, led by coach Jeff Traylor, has been formidable at home, posting a 34-5 record at the Alamodome over his seven seasons. The Roadrunners’ home advantage looms large, especially given the close matchups expected.
The predicted final score is 27-20 in favor of UTSA. The absence of a fully healthy Hejny tilts the balance slightly toward the Roadrunners, but Mora’s team is expected to remain in contention throughout.
The game promises a battle of run games and defensive resilience, with Colorado State aiming to shake off recent defensive lapses and UTSA looking to maintain its dominance on home turf.
According to Yahoo Sports.