Colorado State is heading into Thursday night’s Pac-12 matchup against Texas State with a huge problem: starting quarterback Hauss Hejny will not be on the field. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported the news earlier this week, though Hejny might still be available in an emergency backup role. This is massive for a Rams squad that’s already in a serious hole defensively, setting the stage for a wild game on Jim Wacker Field at UFCU Stadium.
The Bobcats Need to Get Back on Track
Texas State, coming off a much-needed bye week, desperately wants to right the ship after a disastrous start to their Pac-12 conference schedule. They’re sitting at a tough 2-3 overall and 0-1 in conference play. Their last outing against San Diego State was a statistical powerhouse for the Bobcats, but it all fell apart because of avoidable special teams errors and a pair of brutal interceptions from second-year starter Brad Jackson. Here’s the kicker: Texas State has lost *every single game* where Jackson has turned the ball over. He’s had his moments of brilliance, for sure, but that turnover issue is a season-killer. If he can protect the ball tonight, with Zachariah Sample (3) and Torrence Burgess Jr. (4) looking to light up the scoreboard like they did against UIW, the Bobcats have a real shot to turn things around.
Colorado State’s Defense Is a Wreck, And Now They’re Missing Their QB
While Colorado State’s offense is actually pretty good, averaging 37.4 points per game under head coach Jim Mora, which is the second-best mark in the conference, their defense is a complete nightmare. They’re dead last in the Pac-12, giving up a staggering 38.6 points and 493.2 yards per game. Yeah, you read that right. Almost 40 points and nearly 500 yards every single game. That’s just asking for trouble, and now they have to deal with it without their starting quarterback. Vegas certainly sees the writing on the wall, with Texas State opening as a 14.5-point favorite and a moneyline of -625. The over/under is set at a lofty 71½ points, which makes sense considering how many points Colorado State’s defense coughs up. It’s going to be a sunny 84 degrees at kickoff, perfect weather for offensive fireworks.
This Thursday night game, airing on CBS at 7 p.m. CDT, is huge for both teams. Texas State needs to prove they can win a conference game and protect the ball. Colorado State needs to somehow find a way to stop *anyone* and figure out their quarterback situation. Texas State then hosts Utah State next week, October 24th, at 6:30 p.m. Can the Bobcats use this opportunity to build some momentum? We’re all watching to find out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply