What happens in Vegas … is the CSU football team!

The Rams, in the midst of their most successful season in more than a decade, have been rewarded for their efforts with an invitation to play in the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl. The Rams will face former Mountain West foe Utah in the game, set for 1:30 p.m. MST at Sam Boyd Stadium.

“We’re excited for our players who have worked so hard to be 10-2 that they now have the opportunity to go to this fantastic Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl,” said interim head coach Dave Baldwin. “We’re looking forward to the opportunity.”

Baldwin to lead Rams

Baldwin, the team’s offensive coordinator, helped the Rams produce one of the most prolific offenses in the country. He became interim head coach last week when Jim McElwain accepted the head coaching position at Florida.

The Rams are one of seven Mountain West teams playing in bowl games – a record for the conference. This is CSU’s first trip to the Las Vegas Bowl, and marks the first time since they have had back-to-back bowl seasons since 2002-03.

Familiar foe

Utah, which plays in the Pac-12 Conference, is 8-4 after spending much of the season ranked in the Top 25. The Utes and Rams have one common opponent: Colorado. CSU beat the Buffs 31-17 in their season opener, while the Utes beat CU 38-34 in their regular-season finale.

Tickets are priced at $35, $45, $75, $85 and $120, depending on location. Fans are encouraged to buy their tickets through CSU. Travel packages are also available through New Horizons Travel in Fort Collins.

Visit bowlgame.colostate.edu for any bowl-related questions.