Game-by-game predictions for Colorado State football’s 2022 season

I was recently a guest on a radio show in Albuquerque, and the host asked how Colorado State football fans view the New Mexico Bowl.

My answer: Depends on the year. The 2008 and 2013 editions are great memories for fans, with thrilling wins over Fresno State and Washington State.

The 2017 edition? Not so much. Fans had much higher expectations for the team that season, and it was a letdown to spend the postseason in Albuquerque.

So what’s my point?

It’s all about where the program is at and trending. In 2022, a trip to the New Mexico Bowl would be well-received. That's an easy bowl for fans to attend and this season, and it would represent a launching point at the end of Jay Norvell’s first season leading the Rams.

Consider bowl eligiblity and a trip to something like the New Mexico Bowl a solid, achievable goal for CSU this season.

Will it happen? We’ll see, but here’s what I think will happen in my official 2022 predictions column. (Week 5 is a bye.)

Week 1: CSU at No. 6/8 Michigan football (Sept. 3)

I’m calling this the soft open for Fort Air Raid. It will be fun for fans to get a look, but we all know it won’t be totally smooth. The real thing starts the next week, but this is a chance to be on the biggest stage and get a test against one of the best.

Depth chart: Check out the depth chart for Colorado State football vs. Michigan

Prediction: Michigan 41, CSU 17

Week 2: CSU vs. Middle Tennessee football (Sept. 10)

Most CSU fans probably aren’t too familiar with Middle Tennessee, but this team is not bad. The Blue Raiders went 7-6 last season, beating Toledo (a team CSU also beat) in a bowl game. It’s kind of a tricky home opener but I think the energy of this game will power CSU, and the Air Raid will put on a bit of a show with the clutches of Michigan’s defense in the rearview mirror.

Prediction: CSU 38, Middle Tennessee 24

Week 3: CSU at Washington State football (Sept. 17)

Washington State has gone through so much chaos over the last year and is a tough team to project this season. The Cougars likely won’t be great and there’s a chance CSU could steal a P5 win here. If this were later in the season and the Rams had more game time under the belt, I might call an upset. Washington State QB Cameron Ward could be electric to watch.

Prediction: Washington State 30, CSU 21

Week 4: CSU vs. Sacramento State football (Sept. 24)

Did you know CSU has lost two of its last three games against FCS opponents? That’s bad! Sacramento State is another good FCS team (No. 7 in the preseason poll) and put a bit of a scare in Cal last season, but the Rams need to win this. They will.

Prediction: CSU 34, Sacramento State 17

Week 6: CSU at Nevada football (Oct. 7)

The Norvell Bowl. This should be really fun, and I’m very intrigued to see the reception for not only Norvell, but all the other former Nevada players like Clay Millen, Tory Horton, Melquan Stovall, etc. In large part because of the big shift of Nevada to CSU, the Wolf Pack are in quite a rebuild. The energy around this game makes it trickier to call, but CSU has the better roster.

Key players: CSU football players who need to shine in 2022

Prediction: CSU 37, Nevada 23

Week 7: CSU vs. Utah State football (Oct. 15)

How good is Utah State? How much of last season was a perfect storm?

A few things go differently (such as Steve Addazio actually having a special teams coach) and the Aggies don’t win the Mountain West. Utah State didn’t look great in a Week 0 win over a bad UConn team, and I think there’s a chance they’ll revert to a middle of the pack MW team. But for now, Logan Bonner is a top QB and I can’t talk myself into this win for the Rams yet (this is my toughest call right now).

Prediction: Utah State 34, CSU 31

Week 8: CSU vs. Hawaii football (Oct. 22)

Hawaii coach Timmy Chang was a CSU assistant for a hot minute before Norvell helped advocate for him to lead his home team, and he’s bringing energy back to that program. His problem right now is it’s a huge rebuild and Hawaii is just overmatched. They are friends off the field, but Norvell’s CSU will roll Chang and Hawaii.

Prediction: CSU 45, Hawaii 17

Week 9: CSU at Boise State football (Oct. 29)

CSU can’t beat Boise State (0-11 all-time), and I just can’t predict anything else (especially on the road) yet. I don’t think this is a great Boise State team, so maybe CSU can finally break through, but I have to pick the Broncos right now.

Prediction: Boise State 27, CSU 23

Week 10: CSU at San Jose State football (Nov. 5)

The Spartans are another tough call. They had a great 2020 but came back to earth in 2021. I think SJSU has a good defense, and transfers Chevan Cordeiro (QB from Hawaii) and Elijah Cooks (WR from Nevada) should re-spark the offense. This is one of the swing games on the season and I think CSU has a chance to win it, but I’ll go with the hosts.

Prediction: San Jose State 30, CSU 24

Week 11: CSU vs. Wyoming football (Nov. 12)

Fan pressure is picking up on Craig Bohl, as there are some signs that his old-school style of play isn’t working. CSU has a great chance to get the Bronze Boot back. Wyoming’s limited offense can’t hang with the Air Raid.

Prediction: CSU 33, Wyoming 13

Week 12: CSU at Air Force football (Nov. 19)

Another team CSU has struggled mightily against lately. Freddie Banks is a bright defensive coordinator, and Norvell is familiar with Air Force, so at least they won’t be psyched out by the option as much as previous coaches. Still, I think this is the Mountain Division favorite and will be a tough game for CSU to win.

Prediction: Air Force 33, CSU 27

Week 13: CSU vs. New Mexico football (Nov. 25)

It’s the reverse of the Boise State record, since CSU doesn’t lose to New Mexico. The Rams have 11 consecutive wins in the series. That will continue, especially if bowl eligibility is on the line.

Rams rising:National experts expect Colorado State football to make improvements

Prediction: CSU 47, New Mexico 17

Final record

I'm saying CSU goes 6-6. It’s bowl time. Anyone up for a trip to Albuquerque?

Follow sports reporter Kevin Lytle on Twitter and Instagram @Kevin_Lytle.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Game-by-game predictions for the 2022 Colorado State football season