Colorado State Rams (1-5) VS Florida Gators (4-3)
1:00 p.m. MT | Colorado State University NCAA Football Practice Field
After an 0-2 weekend against Boston College and Arizona State, the Rams will turn their attention to their only game of the weekend against the University of Florida. This will mark the fifth meeting between the programs, with the last matchup taking place in 2023. Colorado State currently holds an edge in the all-time series with a 3-1 record against the Gators.
Latest Results (CSU): CSU 11 || ASU 16
Latest Results (UF): UF 10 || GIT 9
On the Foco Front
In the matchup against Arizona State, the Rams kept the contest tight through the third quarter after outsourcing the Sun Devils 6-3 in the period. Arizona pulled away in the fourth with six goals, taking a 16-11 victory.
Midfielder Mason Daly led Colorado offensively with four goals and seven points within the game, while Ryan Menard added a goal and assist in the effort.
The day prior, the Rams faced Boston College, falling 16-11 despite generating 10 goals on 33 shots. Menard again contributed the most offensively with five points, CSU also controlled possessions at the faceoff, winning 68.2% of the draws.
Across both games, CSU showcased their offensive depth and their ability to generate opportunities, combining for 21 goals and over 60 shots across the weekend. However, defensive lapses have been costly to the Rams, allowing 32 total goals over the two contests.
CSU will look to turn the page against Florida with a fresh mindset entering the matchup.
Leading the Plays
Offensive Production
As a whole, the Rams have generated 186 shots this season, averaging 31 shots per game.
Florida on the Field
The Gators enter the matchup with a 4-3 overall record and sit 1-1 in conference play. Florida enters the matchup riding a one-game winning streak following a 10-9 win against Georgia Tech March 7.
Florida has faced a competitive schedule early on in the season, picking up wins against Jacksonville, SMU, Georgia and Georgia Tech, while suffering losses to Clemson, UCF, and Northeastern.
The team has proven a strong offensive capability, with five of their contests this season coming within three points, showing their ability to close out a tight game.
The Gators Game
Top Points Leader – Midfielder Ethan Schlam leads the Florida offense with 24 points.
Top Assist Leader – Midfielder Brendan Nace has recorded 12 assists this season.
Offensive Production – The Gators have shown an aggressive approach this year, averaging 39 shots per game and averaging 11 goals each contest.
In the Net – Goalie Brandon Anderson has recorded 30 saves while allowing 28 goals, posting a 51.7% save percentage.
Game Outlook
Both of these teams enter the matchup with momentum, but with two different goals – Florida wanting to keep their streak going and CSU looking to break their losing streak.
Colorado has shown an offensive team throughout all games no doubt, with averaging 31 shots per game, but consistent consistency not only in this game but in upcoming matchups is key, after allowing 32 goals over their last two contests.
Florida has been outshooting CSU averaging nearly 40 shots per game, which could really be the Ram’s defensive unit to test. While the Gators have played several close games this season, including their one-goal win over Georgia Tech, this matchup could come down to game possession and pace.
If the Rams control possession at the faceoff and can capitalize on all shot opportunities, CSU could dictate the tempo and give themselves a chance to flip the script at home.