The Mountain West soccer schedule for the 2023 season is finally out.
The divisions are over and the top two teams in the league go head-to-head in the conference title game.
Here’s my look at which games matter most to CSU and which wins would be most valuable.
Obviously, winning every game is important, but some have more value to the program and fanbase. Here is the ranking with the most important games to win at the end. The schedule is listed below.
At UNLV, October 21
A winnable game against a program resulting from a coaching change. CSU and UNLV have not played since 2019. No real story or animosity.
In Hawaii, November 25th
Two friends face each other in trainers Jay Norvell and Timmy Chang. A winnable game, but by no means a needle mover.
In Middle Tennessee, September 23
MT (or MTSU, depending on who you ask) is a decent Group-of-5 team and it’s nice to beat those programs on similar ground, but it wouldn’t be a huge win for the Rams.
Home vs. San Diego State, Nov. 11
The Aztecs are apparently on their way to the Pac-12 soon. It would be nice for CSU to beat a solid program like SDSU, but this duel looks set to end soon.
Home vs. Utah Tech, Sept. 30
A relatively unnamed FCS game that matters more than multiple matchups in Mountain West? Yes. Here’s why: CSU has lost three of their last four games against FCS programs, and all of those losses have been one-sided. It’s embarrassing. The Rams need to beat up an FCS team to break that awkward feeling.
In the state of Utah, October 7th
Strange things happen when CSU and Utah State are on the schedule. The Steve Addazio field goal disaster, the canceled Hail Mary, the Utah State no-contest protest game. It’s not a historical rival, but it kind of feels like it.
Home vs. Air Force, October 28
I don’t view the Air Force as true rivals to CSU, only approach/conference competitors. Still, there’s some sort of trophy at stake, and the Rams haven’t won many of those lately.
Home vs. Washington State, Sept. 2
The season opener at (sold out?) Canvas Stadium against a Pac-12 team? Yes, that would be a declaration of intent for the CSU.
Home vs. Nevada, November 18
It won’t have quite the vitriol of Norvell’s return to Nevada last year, but it’s safe to say there’s bad blood after Ken Wilson’s words and CSU’s late win in Reno. This is going to be a spicy game.
Home vs. Boise State, Oct. 14
Although the divisions have disappeared, the Mountain West still runs primarily through the state of Boise. The Rams have never beaten the Broncos and need to change that if they are serious about becoming an MW contender.
In Wyoming, November 4th
CSU won the 2020 random game in the empty stadium but otherwise held possession in the Bronze Boot battle.
In Colorado, September 16
Like it or not, Colorado is now one of the most talked about programs in college football following the hiring of Deion Sanders. Every game will make national headlines. Therefore, a CSU victory in Boulder would be a huge rallying cry for the fan base and draw a lot of attention to the Rams.
CSU football schedule 2023
Note: Keep in mind that the dates are currently listed as Saturday games but could still be moved to Friday or Thursday once the TV selection is made. The seasons will also be announced in connection with the TV selection.
- Week 1: Washington State at CSU, September 2nd
- week 2: Bye
- Week 3: CSU in Colorado, Sept. 16
- Week 4: CSU in Middle Tennessee, Sept. 23
- Week 5: Utah Tech at CSU, Sept. 30
- Week 6: CSU in the state of Utah, Oct. 7
- Week 7: Boise State at CSU, Oct. 14
- Week 8: CSU at UNLV, Oct. 21
- Week 9: Luftwaffe at CSU, Oct. 28
- Week 10: CSU in Wyoming, Nov. 4
- Week 11: State of San Diego at CSU, Nov. 11
- Week 12: Nevada at CSU, November 18
- Week 13: CSU in Hawaii, November 25
Follow sports reporter Kevin Lytle on Twitter and Instagram @Kevin_Lytle.