What to Know About Colorado State Ahead of Texas's Week 1 Matchup

Texas is looking to build on a Big 12 championship and a trip to the College Football Playoff, and it begins its season with a home opener against Colorado State. According to ESPN Bet, the Longhorns are favored by 33.5 points over the Rams, and ESPN Analytics gives Texas a 97.9% chance of winning the game at home.

The Rams bring back plenty of production from last season, including four starters on the offensive line with a combined 94 career starts. That offensive line protects redshirt sophomore quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, who finished with over 3,400 passing yards and 23 total touchdowns last year.

Colorado State's top player is likely wide receiver Tory Horton, who has produced over 1,100 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in the last two seasons. He's a potential target team that will watch in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Rams finished with a 5-7 record last year and went just 3-5 in conference play in the Mountain West. However, they're projected to progress in head coach Jay Norvell's third season this fall. Colorado State currently has +1900 odds to win the Mountain West on FanDuel Sportsbook , ranked fifth in the conference.

Texas has played Colorado State just once all-time, and the Longhorns earned a 46-0 victory in that game. Steve Sarkisian will hope to lead the Longhorns to a decisive victory on Saturday to begin their season.

Related: Quinn Ewers Dishes On Texas' Expectations For 2024 College Football Season