Colorado State Rams (1-6) VS #17 San Diego State (5-3)
1:00 p.m. MT | Colorado State University NCAA Football Practice Field
Colorado State entered the contest following an 18-12 loss to the Gators, where a strong second quarter from Florida created a gap that couldn’t be closed by the Rams. This will be the third meet up between the programs, with the latest matchup taking place in 2022. CSU currently holds both wins in the all-time series 2-0 against San Diego.
Latest Results (CSU): CSU 12 || UF 18
Latest Results (SDSU): SDSU 12 || CAL 11
On the Foco Front
In the matchup against the Florida Gators, the Rams kept pace early before a six-goal second quarter from Florida created separation of 11-5 heading into the half. Colorado State opened with four first-quarter goals but was held to just one in the second, allowing the Gators to take control heading into halftime.
Midfielder Mason Daly and attacker Jack Rego led the Rams offensively with hat tricks, continuing to drive CSU’s scoring production. Midfielder Ethan Scheik led the Rams with his first game goal and his first of the season to start off the scoring run.
At the faceoff X, Colorado State held their own, winning 44.1% of draws and even added a goal straight from the X by Max Hall. Despite the offensive output, defensive struggles proved costly as the Gators capitalized on key runs and controlled possession during crucial stretches.
CSU heads into this matchup looking to continue tightening their defense and limit San Diego’s runs and scoring capabilities.
Leading the Plays
Points Leader – Attacker Jack Rego leads the Rams offensively with 26 points and 18 goals this season.
Assists Leader – Midfielder Ryan Menard maintains his lead with 13 assists for the Rams nine goals.
Turnover Terror – Defense Kai Skaer leads the Rams defensively with 16 caused turnovers while also contributing to 18 groundballs.
Faceoff – Max Hall has 64 faceoff wins with a percentage of 61% at the X, and has added a goal and assist to his name this season.
San Diego on the Field
The Aztecs enter the matchup with a 5-3 overall record so far this season. San Diego will enter the matchup with a win under their wing against the California Golden Bears following a 12-11 win March 13.
The Aztecs have generated 97 goals on the season while averaging nearly 12 goals per game, They have also been strong at the faceoff X, winning 64% of draws, which is key in controlling possession and tempo throughout a game.
Defensively, San Diego State has allowed 69 goals while maintaining a save percentage near 58%, highlighting their ability to limit opponents and come up with timely stops.
As they continue through the last two out-of-division matchups, the team will look to extend a win streak with their Colorado matchups.
The Aztec Army
Points Leader – Attacker Luc Schneider leads the Aztecs with 38 points this far into the season.
Goal Leader – Attacker Louis Seftel currently holds the most goals for the Aztecs with 25 and holds 30 points.
Defensive Dominance – Defender Nate Warron has dominated defensively so far this season with 37 ground balls and 15 caused turnovers for the Aztecs.
Offensive Production – San Diego has accumulated 97 goals this season averaging 58 shots to the net each game.
Game Outlook
This game is key for both teams, but in different ways. CSU is desperately looking to pull off a win after a five-game deficit. While SDSU wants to end their regular season with two more additional wins against Colorado teams.
The Rams are an offensive-minded team, generating 74 goals so far, but needing for defensive consistency remains key as they continue through high-scoring matchups.
Limiting defensive breakdowns will be crucial as they face a disciplined Aztec offense.
San Diego just trails slightly ahead of Colorado at the Faceoff X, making it a crucial point in the game for both teams in who wants to control the tempo and possession.
If the Rams can compete at the faceoff, and maintain their defense throughout the game, Colorado State could give themselves a strong chance to shift momentum and compete at home.