Boise State overwhelms Colorado State 64-38 as Dylan Riley scores 3 TDs

When No. 20 Boise State rolled into Fort Collins on November 7, 2026, the scoreboard didn’t just light up; it exposed the staggering gulf between a conference powerhouse and a defense struggling to find answers. The Broncos overwhelmed the Colorado State Rams 64-38 at Canvas Stadium, marking their 14th win in 15 all-time meetings against CSU.

The night began with an explosion of offense that set the tone for the entire contest. Just two plays into the game, Boise State quarterback Max Cutforth floated a swing pass to running back Dylan Riley. Left completely uncovered in the flat, Riley cruised down the sideline for a 73-yard touchdown. Following a successful two-point conversion, the Broncos held an 8-0 lead just 52 seconds in. Riley finished the night with 19 carries for 192 yards and two rushing touchdowns, alongside two receptions for 88 yards and a score, capping off his stellar performance by flashing the Heisman Trophy pose in the end zone.

Boise State at Colorado State: Dylan Riley post-game interview

A Deflating Defense for the Rams

While the Rams managed 513 yards of total offense and 38 points of their own—turning to freshman Damian Moore and transfer Oliver Lundberg early in the game—their defensive liabilities proved insurmountable. CSU entered the matchup holding FBS-worst marks in total defense, giving up 526.4 yards per game, rushing yardage (261.1 ypg) and scoring defense (42.4 ppg).

Those defensive struggles only deepened. Boise State racked up 669 yards of offense—352 on the ground and 317 through the air—converting touchdowns on nine of their ten real drives. This performance marked the third time this season the Rams surrendered more than 600 yards in a game.

“We are doing the right things defensively, in terms of scheme,” Mora said after the game. “I know that because I’ve coached defense for decades and been fortunate to be around some of the best defenses in football. So, we know what it looks like. We got a little bit of a later start on it, which is my fault.”

Looking Ahead to Washington State

At 3-6 overall and 1-4 in the Pac-12, the Rams have now dropped six of their past seven games. The early 29-10 halftime deficit proved far too steep a mountain to climb, even as quarterback Hauss Hejny threw for 253 yards and two touchdowns while leading the team on the ground with 69 rushing yards. Tommy Maher added 99 yards on six receptions, highlighting bright spots in an otherwise punishing evening.

With November slipping away, the immediate stakes for CSU center on avoiding a complete collapse as the schedule winds down. The Rams will hit the road to face Washington State on November 14, followed by a matchup against Fresno State on November 21. Whether adjustments can be made before traveling to Pullman remains the defining question for a team searching for stability.