Gildan New Mexico Bowl: Marshall vs Colorado State
‘Tis the season to be jolly… fa la la la la… It is BOWL SEASON, and it kicks off on Saturday. Let’s talk the Gildan New Mexico Bowl featuring the Marshall Thundering Herd and The Colorado State Rams, which is the first time these teams have played one other. Here is just a snippet of what you need to know.
Game Details
Teams: Colorado State (7-5, Mountain West) vs Marshall (7-5, C-USA)
Date: Saturday, December 16
Game Time: 7:30 pm EST/6:30 pm CST
Venue: Dreamstyle Stadium, Albuquerque, NM
Network: ESPN
The Matchup
The Rams ended their regular season on a high note with a 42-14 drubbing of San Jose State. CSU’s senior QB Nick Stevens racked up 3,479 yards passing as well as 27 TDs. All season the Rams have an explosive offense which has made for some thrilling games. Yet the Rams tend to struggle when it comes to bowl games, as they have lost their last three bowl games. Their games have been fairly high scoring which tends to be very entertaining.
Meanwhile, on the flipside, the Thundering Herd started the season strong at 6-1 and then lost four of their last five games. While their junior QB Chase Litton threw for 2,853 yards and 23 TDs, the Herd has a stellar defense that is ranked 17th in the nation for scoring. Unlike the Rams, the Herd has had great postseason success as they have won their last five bowl games.
It should be a great battle as Colorado State’s high powered offense takes on the Thundering Herd’s stifling defense. On the other side of the ball, the Rams defense has been lackluster, yet they will be playing with something to prove as they send will want to send their retiring DC Marty English out on a winning note.
Bowl Week
There are copious amounts of bowl games; the alumni and bandwagon fans will enjoy this matchup. Although most of these bowl games will be background noise for fans whose teams are not in a bowl game, as well as those who are suffering from FAD (football Affective Disorder). If you are unsure if you are suffering from FAD, check here to help you self-diagnose.
These teams are excited to get another game and a chance to shop in the team gift suite. The coaches are happy to get extra practices in as they evaluate their team leading into recruiting and the early signing day. But both teams get to do so much more than just practice and shop.
Cool Team Events
According to the official Gildan New Mexico Bowl website, there are several events that each team will be participating in. When the teams landed in Albuquerque, they were greeted by a mariachi band. You can check out the video if you go to the bowl’s official Twitter page @GildanNMbowl. The fans are getting in on the fun as well if you are at one of the team hotels there are custom Snapchat filters available and are being featured on the bowl Twitter page. Along with the fun of shopping in the gift suite, the players have been relaxing to the max in their downtime with arcade games, bowling, and laser tag. Be sure to follow each team’s practice activities, as well as their bowl adventures, on Twitter @CSUFootball and @HerdFB.
More Than A Football Game
One of the first places the Thundering Herd went to visit was Kirtland Air Force Base to invite the dedicated service men and women and their families to the bowl game. According to the schedule of events, both teams will visit a children’s hospital as well.
On Thursday, both teams were at Isleta Elementary School on the Pueblo Reservation. They got a chance to talk about life as student-athletes and interact with the smallest of football fans.
We’re at Isleta Elementary School on the Pueblo of Isleta to discuss college success, being a student athlete, and football! 📝🏈 pic.twitter.com/NjzQ1XqmEu
— Isleta New Mexico Bowl (@NMBowl) December 14, 2017
The Last Word
While The Gildan New Mexico Bowl is ranked 32nd by our own Jason Rhea. It is a game that means something more to all involved. To the teams, it is one last chance to finish their seasons on a high note. For some of the players, it will be their last time ever playing a football game. It will be an emotional night, win or lose, as their careers come to an end. For the coaches, it is a chance to self-scout the team and see where the holes are. To the kids at the elementary school and the children’s hospital, they will be watching to catch a glimpse of a player that spent time with them this week.
You never know how these kids are impacted by player visits. Equally important to remember is the memories the service members are making with their families as they attend these bowl games. Something else to think about, what if one of these kids is the next Heisman Trophy contender or Doak Walker winner? You never know how these kids are impacted and inspired by these player visits. Everyone on that field and in that stadium will be feeling a different set of emotions. It is always something more than a game; the football is just the vessel.
New Mexico Bowl History, Results
Dec. 19, 2016, New Mexico 23, UTSA 20
Dec. 19, 2015, Arizona 45 New Mexico 37
Dec. 20, 2014, Utah State 21 UTEP 6
Dec. 21, 2013, Colorado State 48 Washington State 45
Dec. 15, 2012, Arizona 49 Nevada 48
Dec. 17, 2011, Temple 37 Wyoming 15
Dec. 18, 2010, BYU 52 UTEP 24
Dec. 19, 2009, Wyoming 35 Fresno State 28 (2 OT)
Dec. 20, 2008, Colorado State 40 Fresno State 35
Dec. 22, 2007, New Mexico 23 Nevada 0
Dec. 23, 2006, San Jose State 20 New Mexico 12
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