THROWBACK: BYU Football Faces Colorado State as Rams Look For Big Upset Fueled by Bold Aspirations | Justin Michael from DNVR Sports Previews BYU vs. CSU

A long-lost Mountain West rivalry is back as BYU Cougars travel to face the new-look Colorado State Rams—will the Rams’ explosive offense and aggressive defense be enough to topple BYU’s Big 12-caliber squad? Jake Hatch and Justin Michael offer an in-depth preview of this highly anticipated showdown, revisiting classic matchups and analyzing the ambitions driving both programs today. Can Colorado State, seeking to follow BYU’s path to national prominence, leverage recent investment and housekeeping moves to spring an upset on their former conference rival?Justin Michael spotlights quarterback Hauss Hejny, a Power 5-level talent whose dual-threat abilities have sparked CSU’s 2-0 start alongside playmakers Mel Brown and Durrell Robinson. On the perimeter, wideouts Jackson Harper and Terrence Smith add new dimensions to the Rams’ attack, while tight ends like Juice Vereen and Dominic Toy bring NFL frames and UConn chemistry to the fold. But the real question is: can this new cast, assembled from high-profile transfers and built with expanded NIL backing, gel quickly enough to threaten BYU’s proven system?Defensively, CSU boasts a ferocious edge with Oumar Diomande leading a unit ranked first nationally in turnover margin. The “jack” role, headlined by Kenyon Agurs and complemented by transfers like Brandon Kelly and Stefan Wright, puts pressure on opposing backfields while a rangy secondary led by Treshawn Moore looks to capitalize. However, scheme gamble creates risk—breakdowns against Southern Utah exposed vulnerabilities that BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier and running back LJ Martin are poised to exploit.Off the field, the Rams’ ambitions are clear: Jim Mora Jr. is building a program meant for a Power 4 future, with funding, facilities, and NIL commitments unheard of in much of the Group of 6. Hatch and Michael debate whether CSU’s aggressive roster strategy and modern approach will finally pay off, and what fans can expect from the vibrant Canvas Stadium game day experience—a far cry from the old Hughes days.Will BYU use their experience to maintain dominance, or can Colorado State’s new era break through and reclaim relevance on a national stage? This episode is your full scouting report on players, tactics, and the high stakes at play in a rivalry renewed.Support Locked On Cougars:Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube!Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here!If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubJake Hatch brings you daily coverage of the BYU Cougars with the Locked On Cougars Podcast. Locked On Cougars brings BYU fans the latest news and comprehensive coverage when it comes to the BYU football and basketball programs as well as a look at the other teams in the BYU athletic department. Jake gives you his unique insights and insider information about the Cougs as they continue "on the trail to fame and glory" every weekday, along with interviews with players, coaches, experts, and alumni that you will not find anywhere else.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!KALSHIFor a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next. SupplyHouseVisit https://SupplyHouse.com/TM to learn more about becoming a Trade Master.  Use promo code S H 5 College for five percent off your first order. SupplyHouse. Real people. Real service. Omaha SteaksShop proteins you can trust at https://www.Omaha Steaks.com. And right now, get 2 pounds of premium ground beef FREE with orders over $129 using code COLLEGE at checkout. Terms apply. See site for details. Aura CybersecurityStart your free trial today at https://