Matt L. Stephens

matthewstephens@coloradoan.com

Jared Roberts made a 46-yard field goal as time expired to help CSU beat Utah State, 16-13, in front of a sold-out crowd at Hughes Stadium on Saturday night.

It was a sweet ending for the 32,546 in attendance that gave the Rams (6-1, 2-1 MW) their first home sellout since 2004.

Roberts' field goal was setup by a drive that started on Colorado State University's own 12-yard line with 58 seconds to play. After two quick hand offs to running back Dee Hart that went for 20 yards, CSU took a shot deep to its star receiver, Rashard Higgins, connecting for 46 yards to down the ball on the Aggies' 22-yard line. Two plays later, Roberts drove the ball home, sending the Rams' off with a homecoming victory and sending the CSU students piling onto the field.

Not a bad finish for Roberts, a senior kicker, who's struggled kicking at home this season. He made two attempts from 46 yards and another from 52 while missing from 47.

"I just think it means so much for Colorado State University; I really do. It was fun, it was a great atmosphere," CSU coach Jim McElwain said. "For us moving forward, obviously playing one of our three trophy games next week, we're going to have to get back to work awfully early, but that was pretty cool."

CSU quarterback Garrett Grayson broke the school's career passing record of 7,142, set by Kelly Stouffer in 1986, when he connected with Higgins in the third quarter. He now has 7,250 in his career — 243 on the night — with five regular-season games to play.

Higgins has caught for at least 100 yards in three consecutive games and in five of seven on the season, leading the Rams on Saturday with 187. He and Grayson were the offensive stars for CSU, despite having trouble moving the ball most of the night.

Utah State, home of the Mountain West's third-best defense, sacked Grayson eight times and dropped the Rams for lost yardage on 13 occasions. CSU was limited to 172 on 49 plays through three quarters, but as able to break through with the big play to Higgins. Not helping matters of CSU were its 11 penalties for 116 yards — a season worst — being called for six personal fouls.

But the Rams' defense was able to come through, holding the Aggies (4-3, 1-1) to 260 yards. On average, CSU gives up 447.5 yards.

Hart had 12 carries for 60 yards and a touchdown. Utah State running back Joe Hill had his team's only touchdown, carrying nine times for 64 yards.

CSU is bowl eligible for the second consecutive year.

Stay tuned to Coloradoan.com for more updates.

Follow sports columnist Matt L. Stephens at twitter.com/mattstephens and facebook.com/stephensreporting.