Lytle: CSU football can't get out of its own way in rivalries after losing Bronze Boot again
LARAMIE, Wyo. — Surely, this will end sometime, right?
Right?
Anyone?
The familiar “F--- CSU” chants rained down and fans stormed the field as Wyoming held its annual dance party with the Bronze Boot Friday night.
It all felt oh so familiar for the Colorado State football program and its fans.
Three times in a row and seven of the last eight seasons CSU has lost the Border War after Friday’s 24-15 loss at Wyoming.
When you add in rivalry trophy games against Colorado and Air Force the numbers are even more galling: 1-19 from 2016 through the 2023 season.
Three coaches now share the burden. Mike Bobo got things cooking with a stunning four seasons in a row of 0-3 records against Ram rivals and he somehow was handed a contract extension during that swoon. It’s still a mark against athletic director Joe Parker for Bobo being extended too early.
Then Steve Addazio came in and was a disaster hire in every way — but did manage a Border War win in an empty stadium in the 2020 COVID season. Then he went 0-2 vs. rivals in 2021 and got himself fired, as much for his off-field demeanor as anything that happened between the sidelines.
Now Jay Norvell is in his second season. Send me the nasty emails if you want, but I still think this team can win out and make a bowl. Still, the Rams went 0-3 against rivals this season.
It was once again costly mistakes at the worst time to lose this one. Three turnovers and a shocking 0-for-10 on third downs are the highlights of a bad offensive night. The defense wasn't amazing but it did enough to win, especially considering two of the touchdowns it allowed came on short fields after CSU turnovers.
Norvell quickly raised his hand postgame to shoulder the blame.
“I’m the coach. It’s my responsibility, so I take it. I just feel like we have to help these kids a little bit better to get over the hump,” Norvell said. “I’ve got to help them execute better.”
CSU’s untimely mistakes have impacted every game in a 3-6 record so far, but they’re highlighted in rivalry losses. The Rams should have buried Colorado but had a redzone turnover when they could have extended the lead. They allowed a 98-yard tying drive in the final minutes of regulation in that double-overtime loss.
Friday it was a close 10-7 game at half until Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi threw back-to-back bad interceptions and Wyoming turned both into touchdowns. A miscommunication leading to a fumbled snap ended any comeback hope for CSU.
In critical times, CSU finds a way to mess up a trophy chance. The rash of turnovers has mostly come via the QB and it has to improve.
There’s obviously a physical component to CSU simply needing to play better, but there’s a mental side, too. Much of this team is new to the program within the last year or two and haven’t been around for most of the woes, but they know of it. They feel it when fans are enraged.
It’s the scourge that CSU must get rid of.
Surely, the rivalry tide will turn.
Right?
Follow sports reporter Kevin Lytle on Twitter and Instagram @Kevin_Lytle.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Lytle: CSU football cannot get out of its own way in rivalries
