CSU Rams win over UTEP thanks to strong running game

FORT COLLINS – The Rams fought for survival in their crucial game on Saturday.

After losing to rival CU last week and facing an increasingly tight schedule with Oregon State and conference games in October, CSU earned a tougher win than expected against UTEP at Canvas Stadium.

The Rams' well-rehearsed running game paved the way for the 27-17 victory. Avery Morrow led the way with 21 carries for 156 yards, on a day with a total of 224 rushing yards. The special teams also had a big play that allowed for an easy point, which made up for the dominant performance of the defense in the first half, which slacked off a bit in the second half.

While Canvas Stadium returned to its typical half-empty form following the record-breaking crowd at the Rocky Mountain Showdown, the Rams showed a much-needed response on the field seven days after their disappointment against the Buffs.

It was an ugly triumph, but a triumph nonetheless, even if the uneven performance did not allay many of the overarching concerns about the Rams' ability to make a bowl appearance this season for the first time since 2017.

CSU kept winless UTEP close for most of the first half and then caught up in the second. But thanks to Morrow, Justin Marshall (14 carries for 43 yards) and a defensive line that finally flexed its muscles – the Rams held the Miners to just 48 rushing yards and had three sacks, more than in their first three games combined – CSU entered the off week 2-2.

The Rams took control right from the start with a 12-play, 75-yard run that ended with Morrow's 2-yard touchdown run, giving the home team a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter.

But when the CSU defense forced punts on UTEP's first three drives, the Rams' offense also lost its power.

They were stopped twice on fourth down, punted once, and then Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi gave the Miners their first big momentum of the game midway through the second quarter. As he ran, the redshirt sophomore QB threw an ill-advised interception to UTEP cornerback AJ Odums.

This put the Miners at the CSU 27-yard line and they scored a 45-yard field goal, reducing the score to 7-3 with 6:12 minutes left in the half.

But the CSU reacted quickly: Less than a minute later, Murrow broke through a hole wide enough to drive a truck through and ran unchallenged for a 73-yard touchdown.

CSU continued to push in the second half. After stopping UTEP early in the third quarter, Dane Olson blocked the Miners' punt, which the Rams recovered at the visitors' seven-yard line. Three plays later, CSU converted this special teams highlight into Fowler-Nicolosi's 5-yard touchdown pass to Armani Winfield for a 21-3 lead.

On the Rams' next drive, Jordan Noyes kicked a 37-yard field goal to increase the score to 24-3, a three-touchdown lead that made the game seemingly out of reach for the Miners' faltering offense.