In Week 2 of the 2025 college football season, the Northern Colorado Bears travel to Fort Collins to take on the Colorado State Rams. This evening game is set for Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Sonny Lubick Field at Canvas Stadium. Fans can catch the action live on ALT.
The Northern Colorado Bears enter this game following a challenging start to their season. With a 0-1 record, they seek their first win after last season’s struggles. Their previous road game against the Rams resulted in a 38-17 loss.
On the other side, the Colorado State Rams also aim to secure their first victory of the season. After a 38-21 defeat against the Washington Huskies in their opening game, the Rams are eager to perform well at home. As a member of the Mountain West Conference, they look to leverage their home-field advantage for a strong comeback.
Colorado State vs Northern Colorado At a Glance
- Game Location: Sonny Lubick Field at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins, CO
- Game Time: Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 7:00 PM
- TV Channel: ALT
- Colorado State Rams Current Record: 0-1
- Northern Colorado Bears Last Season Record: 0-1
- Point Spread: Northern Colorado +33.5, Colorado State -33.5
Colorado State Rams Seek Redemption in Upcoming Game
Offensive Overview
Colorado State Rams’ offense enters the new season with mixed results. Averaging 21 points per game so far, they rank 34th, indicating potential for improvement as the season progresses.
Passing remains a focal point for the Rams, achieving 180 passing yards in their last game. However, their rushing game needs attention, ranking 104th with just 85 yards.
Defensive Performance
Defensively, the Rams have been challenged, allowing 38 points in their first game. They rank 27th in points against, which places emphasis on their need to tighten up the defensive strategies.
The Rams have managed to record 3 sacks, positioning them 5th in this category. However, with zero interceptions, there’s room to elevate their defensive play to disrupt opposing offenses.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi leads the Rams’ offense with 180 passing yards. His performance will be critical in upcoming games to enhance the team’s passing success.
Running back Jalen Dupree has shown potential with 92 rushing yards and a touchdown, ranking 58th in rushing yards. His contributions on the ground will be vital in balancing the Rams’ offensive attack.
Injury Concerns
The Rams face challenges with injuries, notably Kojo Antwi, who is questionable with an Achilles issue. Additionally, Justin Marshall is unlikely to play due to an undisclosed injury.
Gabe Jones is out for the rest of the season, impacting the Rams’ defensive depth. These injuries highlight the need for other players to step up and fill the gaps.
Betting Trends
- SU All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU in Away Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
Analyzing the Northern Colorado Bears: A Deep Dive into Their 2024 Season
Offensive Performance Overview
The Northern Colorado Bears have struggled on the offensive front, averaging just 17 points per game, ranking them 127th nationally. Their passing game has been underwhelming, amassing only 191 yards per game, placing them at 168th. The Bears’ rushing attack hasn’t fared much better, with just 107 yards per game, ranking 177th.
First downs have been hard to come by for the Bears, achieving an average of 13 per game, which is 116th in the nation. Their lack of offensive output is a significant factor in their season performance. Improvement in sustaining drives will be critical for future success.
Defensive Challenges
Defensively, the Bears have allowed an average of 38 points per game, placing them at 12th in terms of points conceded. Their ability to pressure the quarterback has been limited, recording only 1 sack, ranking 45th. The team has also failed to secure any interceptions, ranked 1st for the lowest in the nation.
Fumble recoveries stand at one, ranking 15th, indicating a slight ability to force turnovers. The Bears’ defense will need to find ways to disrupt opposing offenses more effectively. Enhancing their pass rush and secondary play will be pivotal.
Quarterback Insights
Peter Costelli leads the Bears as quarterback, having thrown for 187 yards in their recent game, ranking 282nd overall. He has managed 2 passing touchdowns without throwing an interception. His contributions have been significant, but the team will look for him to elevate his game further.
Backup quarterback Jonah Chong has seen limited action, with only 4 passing yards recorded. His current stats suggest he is still developing as a reliable option behind Costelli. Improving depth at the QB position is essential for the Bears moving forward.
Rushing and Receiving Analysis
Darius Stewart and Vann Schield have both recorded 20 rushing yards, sharing the load in the backfield. However, neither has found the end zone, highlighting a need for more effective red-zone rushing. David Afari added 19 yards, suggesting room for improvement in the ground game.
In the receiving department, Brayden Munroe stands out with 86 yards and a touchdown, providing a reliable target for Costelli. Kobe Kossak and Jordan Riles contribute but have yet to reach the end zone. The Bears will need to utilize their receiving corps more effectively to boost their offensive numbers.
Betting Trends
- The Bears have failed to cover the spread in their recent games.
- Scoring under 20 points has been a consistent trend for the team.
- Their games have typically hit the over due to the high points allowed on defense.
Colorado State vs Northern Colorado Prediction: Colorado State -33.5
Colorado State is set to play Northern Colorado at home, and the Rams are favored by 33.5 points. The Rams have a strong offensive showing with 21 points and a defense that sacked opponents three times in their last game. Northern Colorado’s offensive struggles were evident last season, ranking near the bottom in both passing and rushing yards.
Given Northern Colorado’s defensive struggles, allowing 38 points last season, Colorado State’s offense should take advantage of gaps in their defensive line. Colorado State’s home-field advantage and previous performance against Northern Colorado, where they won 38-17, also points to a dominating victory.
With Colorado State’s motivation to bounce back after their previous loss and Northern Colorado’s issues on both sides of the ball, the Rams are likely to cover the spread. Considering the historical context and current stats, Colorado State should comfortably surpass the 33.5-point spread.
Projected final score: Colorado State 48, Northern Colorado 10. This margin supports the Rams covering the spread and sets expectations for a high-scoring game on their end.
- Colorado State vs Northern Colorado Prediction: Colorado State -33.5
- Colorado State vs Northern Colorado Score: Colorado State 48 – Northern Colorado 10
