Colorado State football running into battle

Colorado State linebacker Tre Thomas feels Saturday's opener is the perfect opportunity for the Rams' defense to prove to themselves they are a better outfit. (Mike Brohard / Loveland Reporter-Herald)

FORT COLLINS — At the mere mention of the first opponent, Mike Bobo has gone to the same topic time and time again this week.

For the Colorado State's coach, the Rams' success in the season opener Saturday with Oregon State (12:30 p.m.; CBSSN) hinges on their ability to slow down the Beavers' rushing attack, namely the carries of Ryan Nall.

When Bobo watched tape last year for other purposes and Oregon State came on the screen, he was impressed by Nall. Every time he spoke to a Pac-12 coach, the…