“We just weren’t good enough”

FORT COLLINS — Colorado State wanted to make a statement at the Rocky Mountain Showdown. The Rams ended up making the wrong statement.

After holding on early and building a 3-0 lead, the Rams collapsed in a 28-9 loss to the CU Buffs. A weak offensive performance, key defensive penalties and four turnovers condemned CSU to its seventh straight loss in the rivalry series.

Now the Rams (1-2) face several questions after CU somewhat dampened CSU's announcement earlier this week that it would join the Pac-12 in 2026.

Can their offense, which has stumbled in two of three games, find its rhythm? Has redshirt sophomore quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi faded? And do the Rams have enough firepower to end a six-year bowl drought in head coach Jay Norvell's third season in Fort Collins?

“We just weren't good enough tonight,” Norvell said. “I'm disappointed with the turnovers we had and disappointed with the penalties. We should have played clean and we didn't. And we didn't make enough plays in the first half to really capitalize on some of our opportunities.”

“…The good thing is that we still have a lot of the season ahead of us, but we also have to see how we have to prepare to play well in a game like this. That responsibility is mine.”

CSU's Air Raid offense came to a halt as Buffs defensive coordinator Robert Livingston kept Norvell's attack in check.

Fowler-Nicolosi threw for 209 yards, but much of that came after the game was no longer winnable. He also threw two interceptions, one on the Rams' first possession of the second half that nearly ended the game.

CSU's most explosive player, wideout Tory Horton, played injured and it showed. He had little impact, catching two balls for 24 yards in the first half before leaving the game.

“He tried to play, but he wasn't healthy and I probably should have taken him out sooner,” Norvell said.