Colorado State finished last season by beating a PAC-12 team in a bowl game (Wasington State). Colorado State started this season by beating PAC-12 team (Colorado). I know that WSU and UC are not exactly world beaters but I'm sure WSU was motivated to win a bowl game and I'm sure UC was motivated to beat their instate rival.
My point is that CSU will be coming to Boise full of confidence. They run the ball very well (averaged 5.8 ypc against UC) especially between the tackles.