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Before writing off the Rams as just another middling MWC team, consider this: the current record of the teams the Rams lost six in a row to is now 46-16. That's a winning percentage just a whisker under 75%! After such a brutal stretch, head coach Jim McElwain did a good job getting his squad focused enough to get back on the winning track.
Winning on the Blue would make these players' careers. Like all our opponents, they've had this game in mind all year.
On with the Impact Players:
The Rams are loaded at the Running Back position, but are led by Junior Chris Nwoke.
Helping open holes for Mr. Nwoke and his pals is Junior Center Weston Richburg, a pure athlete whose massive size dictated he play lineman.
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On defense, Colorado State is known to have good linebackers. Hopefully DJ, Jay and Jack can shake free of their tackles at least a few times. Shaquil Barrett heads their unit. Here Shaquil can be seen taking down Super Mario Dougie.
Perhaps Colorado State's best player is punter Pete Kontodiakos. Watch out for field position. As much as I don't like having to face a premier special teams player, at least he's not a return man.
Just as our team was hitting its stride, the injury and suspension bugs bit. As a result, we have real vulnerabilities that can be exploited. Our boys will have to maintain complete focus and execute with precision to compensate.
As usual, here's hoping each team plays to its true potential, all players have fun, everyone treats each other with respect and good sportsmanship, all fans are well-behaved, no player on either side gets seriously injured, and of course... our Broncos end up with a victory!
Note: Every week, Boise State will face well-prepared athletes who want nothing more than to beat our Broncos. This weekly series examines the premier athletes from each team: players who could - in one play - determine the outcome of the game. Watching how well these impact players perform during the game may provide insight into which game plan Coach Pete is implementing and how well we are neutralizing their strengths. Hopefully, such knowledge increases your cheering pleasure. Go Broncos!