UTEP Miners vs. Colorado State Rams Match Analysis: 2024 College Football Season

The Colorado State Rams held off a late rally from the UTEP Miners to secure a 27-17 victory on September 21, 2024, at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins, Colorado, in a Conference USA showdown that featured 470 combined passing yards and a pivotal fourth-quarter goal-line stand. This article offers a comprehensive review of the matchup, emphasizing player stats, game summary, and head-to-head insights, sourced from verified sources such as ESPN, NCAA.com, FOX Sports, CBS Sports, and official athletics sites (utepminers.com, csurams.com). With an attendance of 23,472 and a game duration of 3 hours and 18 minutes, the triumph boosted Colorado State’s mark to 2-2 (2-1 home) and dropped UTEP to 0-4 (0-3 away), underscoring the Rams’ defensive grit in a low-scoring affair. Below, we dissect the event, highlighting key contributions, pivotal sequences, and broader implications.

Game Highlights

• Sport: Football
• League: NCAAF (NCAA Football)
• Matchup: UTEP Football vs CSU Football Match Player Stats
• Game Covered:
  • Game 1: September 21, 2024
• Series Result: Rams won the matchup 1–0

Series Overview: UTEP Miners vs Colorado State Rams, 2024 College Football Season

The Colorado State Rams (2-2, 2-1 home) edged the UTEP Miners (0-4, 0-3 away) 27-17 on September 21, 2024. Colorado State led 14-3 at halftime and maintained control with 10 third-quarter points, but UTEP mounted a 14-point fourth-quarter surge to narrow the margin. Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi completed 14-of-22 passes for 132 yards and 1 TD with 1 INT, while Cade McConnell went 19-of-29 for 220 yards and 2 TDs with no INTs. The Rams outgained the Miners 356-324 total yards (132 passing, 224 rushing vs. 276 passing, 48 rushing), converting 3-of-10 third downs (30.0%) to UTEP’s 6-of-12 (50.0%). Colorado State’s 3-of-3 red-zone efficiency and 0 fumbles lost contrasted with UTEP’s 1-of-2 red-zone trips and 3 fumbles (0 lost), but the Miners’ 3-38 penalties were fewer than the Rams’ 7-60.

Game 1: Colorado State Rams 27, UTEP Miners 17 (September 21, 2024)

Game Summary

The Colorado State Rams grinded out a 27-17 win over the UTEP Miners on September 21, 2024, at Canvas Stadium, improving to 2-2 with a balanced effort. In the first quarter, Colorado State struck with Avery Morrow’s 2-yard touchdown run (7-0), capping a 12-play, 75-yard drive. UTEP responded in the second with Buzz Flabiano’s 45-yard field goal (7-3), but Morrow’s 73-yard touchdown run on a 2-play, 80-yard drive extended the lead to 14-3. The third quarter saw Fowler-Nicolosi’s 5-yard touchdown pass to Armani Winfield (21-3) and Jordan Noyes’ 37-yard field goal (24-3), but UTEP answered with Cade McConnell’s 28-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Odom (24-10). In the fourth, McConnell connected with Odom for a 55-yard touchdown pass (24-17), but Noyes’ 39-yard field goal with 1:32 left sealed it at 27-17 after a 10-play, 28-yard drive. Colorado State’s 3-of-10 third downs (30.0%) and 37:58 possession time ground out the victory, while UTEP’s 6-of-12 third downs (50.0%) and 3 fumbles (0 lost) weren’t enough despite 276 passing yards.

Key Player Stats: UTEP Miners

Passing:

• Cade McConnell (#11): 19/29, 220 YDS, 7.6 AVG, 2 TD, 0 INT, 0 SACKS, 27.0 QBR. McConnell’s 28-yard and 55-yard TD passes to Odom sparked the fourth-quarter rally.

• Skyler Locklear (#9): 7/15, 56 YDS, 3.7 AVG, 0 TD, 1 INT, 0 SACKS, 6.8 QBR. Locklear’s INT stalled an early drive.

Team: 26/44, 276 YDS, 6.3 AVG, 2 TD, 1 INT.

Rushing:

• Jevon Jackson (#4): 10 CAR, 35 YDS, 3.5 AVG, 0 TD, 10 LONG.
• Corey Wren (#15): 5 CAR, 19 YDS, 3.8 AVG, 0 TD, 7 LONG.
• Skyler Locklear (#9): 6 CAR, 5 YDS, 0.8 AVG, 0 TD, 11 LONG.
• Cade McConnell (#11): 4 CAR, -11 YDS, -2.8 AVG, 0 TD, 7 LONG.

Team: 25 CAR, 48 YDS, 1.9 AVG, 0 TD, 11 LONG.

Receiving:

• Kenny Odom (#6): 7 REC, 128 YDS, 18.3 AVG, 2 TD, 55 LONG. Odom’s 28-yard and 55-yard TD catches fueled the comeback.
• Jaden Smith (#3): 3 REC, 46 YDS, 7.7 AVG, 0 TD, 18 LONG.
• Kam Thomas (#5): 6 REC, 46 YDS, 7.7 AVG, 0 TD, 32 LONG.
• Ashton Nickelberry (#0): 1 REC, 29 YDS, 29.0 AVG, 0 TD, 29 LONG.
• Trey Goodman (#1): 3 REC, 14 YDS, 4.7 AVG, 0 TD, 6 LONG.
• Emari White (#8): 3 REC, 13 YDS, 6.5 AVG, 0 TD, 7 LONG.
• Marcus Vinson (#82): 3 REC, 0 YDS, 0.0 AVG, 0 TD, 0 LONG.

Team: 26 REC, 276 YDS, 10.6 AVG, 2 TD, 55 LONG.

Fumbles:

• Cade McConnell (#11): 2 FUM, 0 LOST, 0 REC.
• Nate Dyman (#30): 1 FUM, 0 LOST, 0 REC.

Team: 3 FUM, 0 LOST, 0 REC.

Defense:

• Bryton Thompson (#15): 12 TOT, 4 SOLO, 1 SACKS, 2.5 TFL, 0 PD.
• Dorian Hopkins (#41): 11 TOT, 5 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 2.5 TFL, 0 PD.
• Nate Dyman (#30): 10 TOT, 1 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0.5 TFL, 0 PD.
• Xavier Smith (#2): 9 TOT, 4 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0 TFL, 0 PD.
• Kyran Duhon (#33): 6 TOT, 1 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0 TFL, 0 PD.

Team: 81 TOT, 25 SOLO, 2 SACKS, 9 TFL, 3 PD.

Interceptions:

• AJ Odums (#1): 1 INT, 0 YDS, 0 TD. Odums’ INT set up a field goal.

Team: 1 INT, 0 YDS, 0 TD.

Kick Returns:

• Kenny Odom (#6): 1 NO, 23 YDS, 23.0 AVG, 23 LONG, 0 TD.
• Kam Thomas (#5): 1 NO, 16 YDS, 16.0 AVG, 16 LONG, 0 TD.

Team: 2 NO, 39 YDS, 19.5 AVG, 23 LONG, 0 TD.

Punt Returns:

• Nate Dyman (#30): 1 NO, -4 YDS, -4.0 AVG, 0 LONG, 0 TD.

Team: 1 NO, -4 YDS, -4.0 AVG, 0 LONG, 0 TD.

Kicking:

• Buzz Flabiano (#36): 1/1 FG (100.0%), 45 LONG, 2/2 XP, 5 PTS. Flabiano’s 45-yard FG cut the lead to 3.

Team: 1/1 FG, 100.0%, 45 LONG, 2/2 XP, 5 PTS.

Punting:

• Adam Jacklin (#29): 5 NO, 169 YDS, 33.8 AVG, 0 TB, 1 In 20, 39 LONG.

Team: 6 NO, 169 YDS, 28.2 AVG, 0 TB, 1 In 20, 39 LONG.

Inactives: No major inactives reported; full lineup active.

Team Stats: 22 1st Downs (9 passing, 4 rushing, 9 penalty), 6-12 3rd Down (50.0%), 0-0 4th Down, 324 Total Yards, 276 Passing, 26/44 Comp/Att, 6.3 Yards per pass, 1 INT, 48 Rushing, 25 Att, 1.9 Yards per rush, 3-38 Penalties, 0 Turnovers, 27:11 Possession. UTEP averaged 6.6 yards per play, 1-2 Red Zone (Made-Att), 0 Defensive/Special Teams TDs.

Key Player Stats: Colorado State Rams

Passing:

• Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi (#16): 14/22, 132 YDS, 6.0 AVG, 1 TD, 1 INT, 0 SACKS, 34.1 QBR. Fowler-Nicolosi’s 5-yard TD to Winfield in the third extended the lead.

Team: 14/22, 132 YDS, 6.0 AVG, 1 TD, 1 INT.

Rushing:

• Avery Morrow (#25): 21 CAR, 156 YDS, 7.4 AVG, 2 TD, 73 LONG. Morrow’s 73-yard TD run in the second was the game’s longest play.
• Justin Marshall (#29): 14 CAR, 43 YDS, 3.1 AVG, 0 TD, 23 LONG.
• Caleb Goodie (#2): 1 CAR, 25 YDS, 25.0 AVG, 0 TD, 25 LONG.
• Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi (#16): 4 CAR, 6 YDS, 1.5 AVG, 0 TD, 16 LONG.
• Kobe Johnson (#0): 1 CAR, -2 YDS, -2.0 AVG, 0 TD, 0 LONG.

Team: 43 CAR, 224 YDS, 5.2 AVG, 2 TD, 73 LONG.

Receiving:

• Jordan Ross (#83): 1 REC, 36 YDS, 36.0 AVG, 0 TD, 36 LONG. Ross’s 36-yard catch set up a field goal.
• Jamari Person (#18): 3 REC, 25 YDS, 8.3 AVG, 0 TD, 13 LONG.
• Avery Morrow (#25): 2 REC, 20 YDS, 10.0 AVG, 0 TD, 11 LONG.
• Armani Winfield (#1): 3 REC, 19 YDS, 6.3 AVG, 1 TD, 11 LONG. Winfield’s 5-yard TD reception in the third made it 21-3.
• Caleb Goodie (#2): 2 REC, 14 YDS, 7.0 AVG, 0 TD, 8 LONG.
• Vince Brown II (#10): 1 REC, 9 YDS, 9.0 AVG, 0 TD, 9 LONG.
• Dane Olson (#81): 1 REC, 5 YDS, 5.0 AVG, 0 TD, 5 LONG.
• Justin Marshall (#29): 1 REC, 4 YDS, 4.0 AVG, 0 TD, 4 LONG.

Team: 14 REC, 132 YDS, 9.4 AVG, 1 TD, 36 LONG.

Fumbles:

• No Fumbles: Colorado State avoided fumbles lost.

Team: 0 FUM, 0 LOST, 0 REC.

Defense:

• Buom Jock (#8): 13 TOT, 8 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 1 TFL, 0 PD.
• Chase Wilson (#30): 10 TOT, 5 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 1 TFL, 0 PD.
• Jack Howell (#17): 6 TOT, 0 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0.5 TFL, 0 PD.
• Dom Jones (#7): 5 TOT, 5 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 1 TFL, 2 PD.
• Dominic Morris (#4): 5 TOT, 3 SOLO, 0 SACKS, 0 TFL, 2 PD.

Team: 71 TOT, 31 SOLO, 3 SACKS, 8 TFL, 8 PD.

Interceptions:

• Henry Blackburn (#11): 1 INT, 0 YDS, 0 TD. Blackburn’s INT in the fourth set up a field goal.

Team: 1 INT, 0 YDS, 0 TD.

Kick Returns:

• Kobe Johnson (#0): 2 NO, 44 YDS, 22.0 AVG, 24 LONG, 0 TD.

Team: 2 NO, 44 YDS, 22.0 AVG, 24 LONG, 0 TD.

Punt Returns:

• Dane Olson (#81): 1 NO, 31 YDS, 31.0 AVG, 31 LONG, 0 TD.
• Lavon Brown (#82): 1 NO, 1 YDS, 1.0 AVG, 1 LONG, 0 TD.

Team: 2 NO, 32 YDS, 16.0 AVG, 31 LONG, 0 TD.

Kicking:

• Jordan Noyes (#23): 2/2 FG (100.0%), 39 LONG, 3/3 XP, 9 PTS. Noyes’ 37-yard and 39-yard FGs in the third and fourth extended the lead.

Team: 2/2 FG, 100.0%, 39 LONG, 3/3 XP, 9 PTS.

Punting:

• Paddy Turner (#41): 4 NO, 154 YDS, 38.5 AVG, 0 TB, 3 In 20, 58 LONG.

Team: 4 NO, 154 YDS, 38.5 AVG, 0 TB, 3 In 20, 58 LONG.

Inactives: No major inactives reported; full lineup active.

Team Stats: 19 1st Downs (6 passing, 6 rushing, 7 penalty), 3-10 3rd Down (30.0%), 0-0 4th Down, 356 Total Yards, 132 Passing, 14/22 Comp/Att, 6.0 Yards per pass, 1 INT, 224 Rushing, 43 Att, 5.2 Yards per rush, 7-60 Penalties, 1 Turnover, 32:49 Possession. Colorado State averaged 5.2 yards per play, 3-3 Red Zone (Made-Att), 0 Defensive/Special Teams TDs.

Critical Moments

The first quarter saw Avery Morrow’s 2-yard TD run capping a 12-play, 75-yard drive for a 7-0 lead. The second quarter featured UTEP’s Buzz Flabiano 45-yard FG (7-3), but Morrow’s 73-yard TD run on a 2-play, 80-yard drive made it 14-3. The third quarter saw Fowler-Nicolosi’s 5-yard TD pass to Armani Winfield (21-3) and Jordan Noyes’ 37-yard FG (24-3), followed by McConnell’s 28-yard TD pass to Kenny Odom (24-10). The fourth quarter saw McConnell’s 55-yard TD pass to Odom (24-17), but Noyes’ 39-yard FG with 1:32 left sealed it at 27-17 after a 10-play, 28-yard drive.

Head-to-Head Analysis

Colorado State’s 27-17 win marked their 8th victory in 12 meetings with UTEP since 2013, improving their head-to-head record to 8-4. The Rams’ 356 total yards (132 passing, 224 rushing) outpaced UTEP’s 324 (276 passing, 48 rushing), with 5.2 yards per play to UTEP’s 6.6. Colorado State’s 3-of-10 third downs (30.0%) and 0-0 fourth downs contrasted with UTEP’s 6-of-12 (50.0%) and 0-0, but the Rams’ 3-of-3 red-zone efficiency outdid UTEP’s 1-of-2. Colorado State’s 7-60 penalties were more costly than UTEP’s 3-38, and their 0 turnovers edged UTEP’s 1 INT, leading to 3 points off turnovers. Colorado State’s 32:49 possession time limited UTEP’s opportunities.

Game Standouts

Colorado State Rams:

• Avery Morrow (#25): 21 CAR, 156 YDS, 7.4 AVG, 2 TD, 73 LONG. Morrow’s 73-yard TD run in the second was the game’s longest play.

• Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi (#13): 14/22, 132 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT. Fowler-Nicolosi’s 5-yard TD to Winfield in the third extended the lead.

• Jordan Noyes (#23): 2/2 FG (100.0%), 39 LONG, 3/3 XP. Noyes’ 37-yard and 39-yard FGs in the third and fourth extended the lead.

UTEP Miners:

• Cade McConnell (#11): 19/29, 220 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT. McConnell’s 28-yard and 55-yard TD passes to Odom sparked the fourth-quarter rally.

• Kenny Odom (#6): 7 REC, 128 YDS, 18.3 AVG, 2 TD, 55 LONG. Odom’s 28-yard and 55-yard TD catches fueled the comeback.

• Bryton Thompson (#15): 12 TOT, 4 SOLO, 1 SACKS, 2.5 TFL. Thompson’s sack in the fourth forced a punt.

Team Performance Context

• Colorado State Rams (2-2, 2-1 Home): The Rams’ 224 rushing yards and 30.0% third-down efficiency improved them to 2-2; they visit Colorado next.
• UTEP Miners (0-4, 0-3 Away): UTEP’s 276 passing yards weren’t enough; they host New Mexico State next.

Injury and Roster Notes

• Rams: No major inactives; full lineup active.
• Miners: No major inactives; full lineup active.

Conclusion

The Colorado State Rams defeated the UTEP Miners 27-17 on September 21, 2024, at Canvas Stadium, improving to 2-2. Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi threw for 132 yards and 1 TD, and Avery Morrow rushed for 156 yards and 2 TDs, including a 73-yard score. The Rams outrushed UTEP 224-48 and converted 30.0% of third downs. Cade McConnell passed for 220 yards and 2 TDs for the Miners, but 1 INT and 1.9 yards per rush weren’t enough. For full highlights and box scores, visit ESPN.com or NCAA.com.