The Gophers decided to wait for a quarter and a half before waking up and realizing that Colorado State was an opponent who was worthy and deserved some respect. Their first six possessions managed to gain just 28 total yards, 5 punts, zero first downs and one fumble on fourth down. From that point the Gophers put up 23 points and 385 yards as they did just enough to sneak out of Fort Collins with a 23-20 overtime win over the Rams.
Colorado State was the first team to possess the ball but that offensive possession was short-lived as the reigning Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week, Nick Stevens, threw a pass that was intercepted by Briean Boddy-Calhoun on the first play.