The CSU football team is heading back to a familiar – and feel-good – spot for their fifth consecutive bowl appearance.
The Rams (7-5) received an invitation Sunday to play in the Dec. 16 Gildan New Mexico Bowl against Marshall (7-5), a member of Conference USA. Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m., with ESPN providing televised coverage. It will be the first meeting between CSU and Marshall.
2-0 in the New Mexico Bowl
For the Rams, the New Mexico Bowl should provide only positive feelings. Two of their greatest postseason wins have taken place in Albuquerque: In 2008 they upset Fresno State 40-35 behind Gartrell Johnson’s 286 rushing yards, and in 2013 they beat Washington State 48-45, rallying from a 22-point deficit in one of the greatest comebacks in school and NCAA bowl history.
“I’m excited that we qualified for another bowl – our fifth straight – and have an opportunity to play in the New Mexico Bowl against Marshall, an opponent I have a lot of respect for,” said Rams coach Mike Bobo, the only coach in CSU history to lead his team to bowl games in his first three seasons. “It’s always exciting to go to a bowl game, and even more exciting when your fan base is excited about the bowl game. I truly believe this team needs to be honored and supported. These seniors have done a lot for this program, and for their last game wearing a Rams uniform and representing Colorado State, I know they want to go out the right way.”
Offense vs. defense
The game should provide an interesting matchup. CSU has a high-powered offense that features a 3,000-yard passer (Nick Stevens), a 1,000-yard receiver (Michael Gallup) and a 1,000-yard rusher (Dalyn Dawkins). Marshall’s strength is defense, but the Thundering Herd struggled down the stretch, losing four of their final five games.
Tickets on sale now
Tickets are available online, by calling the CSU ticket office (800) 491-7267 or by visiting either the McGraw Athletic Center ticket office or the Ram Zone in Old Town Fort Collins. Fans can best support CSU Athletics by purchasing their tickets, priced at $40, through the Rams ticket office, and purchasing from the official CSU allotment ensures the best seat locations and seating with fellow Rams fans.
CSU students can purchase tickets at the special price of $10 at the McGraw Athletic Center ticket office with valid student ID.
