Keys to victory: UNLV at Colorado State football

It's been said after every CSU victory this season, but now really is the time the Rams can start a winning streak. They have to.

Colorado State University sits two wins shy of its third consecutive bowl berth with three games remaining, and is favored to move a step closer Saturday when it hosts UNLV (3-6, 2-3 MW). In order to beat the Rebels, who are playing better than anticipated under first-year coach Tony Sanchez, here is what CSU (4-5, 2-3) needs to do.

Feed the future

Third-string quarterback Craig Leonard didn't mince words about freshman running back Izzy Matthews on Monday. Leonard, who's playing the wildcat quarterback for the Rams, was asked about how he felt helping get the team close to the goal line but never scoring a touchdown himself, instead having Matthews rumble in for six.

"I'm happy for Izzy scoring touchdowns, the kid is going to be a stud," Leonard said. "For him to get more experience and get into the end zone, that's really cool."

Going to be a stud?

He's already showing he is.

Matthews has 49 carries for 227 yards and three touchdowns this season, scoring twice in the Border War, including a play at the goal line where he dove over the pile. His 4.6 yards per carry average ranks second on the team and ahead of leading rusher Jasen Oden (4.4). He's only 100 yards shy of breaking into the record books among the top 10 freshman running backs the program has produced.

CSU is on pace to have a better rushing offense than last year despite likely not seeing a single back go for more than 1,000 yards. Let Matthews continue to gain experience and ignite the ground game with his power.

A balanced diet

CSU can stop the pass. Or it can stop the run.

But both simultaneously?

Since Week 2, the Rams’ defense has shown an ability to shut down one facet of the opposing offense, but not both. They have three wins against Division I teams this season that have one-dimensional offenses (UTSA, Air Force, Wyoming), succeeding by focusing on eliminating their only threat.

That won’t be an option against UNLV.

The Rebels have one of the most balanced offenses in the Mountain West, averaging 209.3 yards rushing and 193 yards passing per game, and quarterback Blake Decker can sling the ball around with the league’s best when he’s feeling a rhythm. CSU will have to stay honest on defense and not sell out.

Record time for Higgins

There's no guarantee wide receiver Rashard Higgins plays another game at Hughes Stadium after Saturday. He's a junior who, if he elects to forgo his final season of eligibility, will be a highly rated prospect in May's NFL draft.

I'd love to see him wear green and gold for another season and finish up his degree, but I also can't blame the guy if he leaves, so why not let him showcase his stardom during the final home game of the year?

Heading into Saturday, Higgins is 10 yards shy of moving ahead of Greg Primus (3,263) and becoming the second-leading receiver in school history and he needs 10 catches to pass David Anderson (223) and set the record for career receptions.

Higgins hasn't had double-digit catches or hauled in 100 receiving yards in a game since the Rams' loss at Utah State on Oct. 3. UNLV has the worst passing defense in the conference, allowing 257 yards per game. Throw it up and let Hollywood make some plays.

For insight and analysis on athletics around Northern Colorado and the Mountain West, follow sports columnist Matt L. Stephens at twitter.com/mattstephens and facebook.com/stephensreporting.