This isn't just another game.
No. 24 Colorado State (20-4, 7-2 MWC) is hot, they've won five straight games and are looking to make that six against Air Force (15-8, 6-4) this afternoon.
The Rams ran through the Falcons the last time the two teams met; CSU set a school record for largest margin of victory with their 79-40 blowout.
But two things are certain; Air Force remembers the embarrassing loss, and they've improved as a team lately, especially at home.
Those Falcons beat UNLV Wednesday 71-56, and two weeks ago, took down No. 22 San Diego State at Clune Arena.
Michael Lyons is the man in Colorado Springs; he leads their team in scoring (18 PPG), rebounds (4.4 PPG), and steals (25), while both Lyons and Todd Fletcher can light it up from beyond the arc.
While the Falcons are a strong scoring team, averaging 72 points per game, the Rams hold a definite edge in both defense and rebounding.
Air Force allows 66.1 per, it's a much lower 59.8 allowed by Colorado State.
And without a doubt, the Rams rebound better than any team in the nation; a fact that doesn't get old as this season grinds on. CSU is No. 1 in total rebounds (42.5) and rebounding margin +13.8, AFA only averages 30.4 and gets out-boarded by 1.8 every contest.
The Rams, powered by frontcourt beasts Colton Iverson and Pierce Hornung, should control the glass all afternoon, and if they do, it could be another easy win for CSU.
Yes, Colorado State has blown out a majority of their opponents this year, and while this one could be like the rest, don't expect it to be. Following that huge win over SDSU Wednesday and with a road contest against UNLV looming next Wednesday, today's contest is a classic "trap game."
These Rams are the underdog no more, a first for them at the collegiate level, as the team is ranked for the first time since 1954. They've got to learn how to win when they're the favorites, handling that pressure and taking care of business.
It'll be a tough test today against a gritty Falcons team.
Tip off is set for 2 p.m. MT at Clune Arena in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Rumor has it Ram fans are trying to bring some Moby Madness to Clune, as 2,500 green and gold boosters will be rooting on their favorite team on the road.
For those that can't make it, the game will be televised on Altitude Sports and Entertainment, and your CSU Rams Examiner will be live-tweeting all afternoon long.
Rich Kurtzman is a freelance journalist. You can follow Rich on twitter or facebook for all your CSU Rams news and opinion.
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