Air Force faces Colorado State tonight in a crucial Mountain West Conference battle that holds major implications for both struggling teams. The Falcons (3-8) travel to Fort Collins seeking their fourth win, while the Rams (2-9) fight for bowl eligibility. This matchup marks the 63rd game in a historic rivalry that could be the last for the foreseeable future before Colorado State leaves the conference.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Game time is 3:00 PM EST Friday, November 28, at Sonny Lubick Field in Fort Collins
- Colorado State favored by 2.5 points, but this rivalry often defies prediction
- The rivals compete for the Ram-Falcon Trophy, awarded since 1980
- Air Force leads the all-time series 39-22-1, but Colorado State won last year 21-13
Falcons Dealing With Quarterback Crisis Heading Into Rivalry Battle
World Baseball Classic 2026 bracket revealed: which teams advance and when to watch
World Cup 2026: three teams set to inherit Iran’s qualification spot
Air Force enters the game severely undermanned on offense after losing starting quarterback Liam Szarka to a fractured arm or hand in their loss to UConn on November 15. Head coach Troy Calhoun confirmed Szarka is likely out for the remainder of the season. The Falcons have cycled through multiple signal-callers this year, adding to the offensive inconsistency that has plagued the program.
Air Force’s record of 3-8 (2-5 Mountain West) reflects a disappointing season filled with injuries and defensive struggles. The team ranks 112th of 136 FBS teams in overall performance, making this game critical for ending the season on a positive note. Calhoun is in his 19th season as head coach and will be looking for any spark his defense can provide against a struggling Colorado State offense.
Rams Searching for Identity With Fourth Starting Quarterback
Caitlin Clark powers Team USA to dominant win over Senegal in FIBA World Cup qualifier opener
USA moves into WBC quarterfinals after Italy stuns Mexico
Colorado State fired head coach Jay Norvell after just five games this season following a 2-5 start, with starting quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi transferring out shortly after. The Rams have cycled through multiple quarterbacks in a chaotic campaign. Backup Darius Curry was suspended for the regular season finale after spitting on Boise State players during last week’s loss.
Colorado State (2-9, 1-6 Mountain West) ranks 125th of 136 FBS teams and desperately needs a win to salvage the season. The team has been searching for offensive consistency all year and will face an Air Force defense that, while struggling, offers an opportunity for momentum. Canvas Stadium at Sonny Lubick Field provides home-field advantage for the Rams.
Historic Rivalry Enters Potentially Final Chapter Before Conference Realignment
| Matchup Stat | Air Force | Colorado State |
| Overall Record | 3-8 | 2-9 |
| Conference Record | 2-5 MWC | 1-6 MWC |
| Series Lead | Air Force 39-22-1 | |
| Last Meeting | Colorado State won 21-13 at Falcon Stadium (2024) | |
The Ram-Falcon Trophy has been awarded since 1980 to the winner of this annual matchup. Air Force holds a dominant series lead with 39 victories to Colorado State’s 22, but the Rams claimed last year’s championship and currently hold the trophy. Colorado State’s transition to the Pac-12 means this rivalry may not continue in its traditional form, making this matchup particularly significant for both programs.
Air Force had reached a 7-game winning streak against Colorado State from 2016 to 2023, tying the longest such streak in rivalry history. However, the Rams snapped that streak last season, regaining control of one of college football’s great regional rivalries. Both programs hope to end their disappointing seasons on a high note Friday night.
What Do Both Teams Need To Gain From A Victory Tonight?
Air Force needs to protect its home rivalry record before the final game and demonstrate improvement on a season that has underperformed significantly. For Colorado State, a win would provide hope heading into the future and potentially salvage recruiting efforts after a tumultuous coaching change mid-season.
This game represents more than just two struggling teams searching for wins either can claim belonging to a prestigious conference rivalry. The winner will leave Fort Collins with the Ram-Falcon Trophy, bragging rights, and momentum entering the off-season. For losing fans, it could overshadow modest gains made throughout difficult 2025 campaigns.
“Air Force and Colorado State compete each year for the Ram-Falcon Trophy, a rivalry established in 1980 that has become one of college football’s great regional matchups.”
— Wikipedia, Air Force-Colorado State Football Rivalry
Sources
- ESPN – Game preview, records, and conference standings
- Denver Post – Air Force quarterback injury and season analysis
- USA Today – Colorado State coaching changes and roster information
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.