BYU hands CSU reality check as Hauss Hejny injury a concern for Rams

The BYU football team came to Fort Collins and displayed a very, very strong team that could potentially make it to the College Football Playoff. The No. 11/13 Cougars dominated Colorado State in a sold-out Canvas Stadium with a 41-23 win on September 19. Two major concerns for CSU came out of the game. First, rising star QB Hauss Hejny suffered a severe injury in the first quarter when he rolled to his right on a third down, threw a pass, and slowly hobbled to the sideline after an incompletion.

He went to the medical tent in the commercial break, and although he returned briefly, he did not return for the next series. Hejny's injury is a significant concern moving forward. Hauss Hejny has shown star potential, throwing 10 touchdown passes this season, including one to RJ Vick on CSU's first possession against BYU. However, his absence limited CSU's offense as the Rams were undoubtedly affected by losing their starter.

The second concern was the injury to starting QB K'saan Farrar early in the fourth quarter, who had to be helped to the medical tent and was replaced by third-stringer Darius Curry. Farrar's performance was mixed, with some positive and negative aspects. He threw a first-half interception due to miscommunication with a receiver, but he also played OK, moved the ball, and had some success on the ground.

The struggle of CSU's defense was highlighted during the game. The tackling was poor, making an already dangerous attack nearly unstoppable. Running back LJ Martin, an impressive talent, had three touchdown runs in the first quarter and gained 176 yards on 14 carries (12.4 per carry). CSU's defense must improve to deal with the threat posed by opponents like BYU.

The offense, particularly BYU's, was excellent. The Cougars demonstrated that they are a College Football Playoff contender, with more than 550 total yards of offense, with a significant portion coming from the rushing game. CSU's defense must become more consistent, but this loss was a reality check that the Rams are far from being on the same level as BYU, who looks like a CFP team and a favorite in the Big 12.

CSU is much-improved from their 2-10 record in 2025, and it will be important to take a measured view of their progress moving forward. The next game against a Group of 6 opponent, UTSA, will provide more insight into where the rebuilding process for the Rams is at.