The Colorado State University football team returns home Saturday afternoon for its third game at Canvas Stadium this season. CSU will host Illinois State at 1 p.m.
Here are five quick facts to know before kickoff:
1. First-ever meeting between the Rams and Redbirds
CSU has yet to face Illinois State at any point in program history. This will also be the first time the Rams play an opponent from the Missouri Valley Football Conference. CSU enters Saturday’s game with a 1-3 overall record, while Illinois State sits 2-0.
2. Saturday is Ag Day
The annual Ag Day tradition was started by former Athletics Director Thurman “Fum” McGraw and honors the school’s Colorado A&M roots, who were then the Aggies. Ag Day festivities include a barbecue north of the stadium, which showcases Colorado farm products.
3. Orange Out
CSU is encouraging fans and students attending Saturday’s game to wear orange. The football team will be wearing jerseys colored pumpkin and alfalfa, the former school colors of Colorado A&M. Orange shirts are available at Ram Zone.
4. Non-conference finale
Saturday will be CSU’s last non-conference game before returning to Mountain West play on Oct. 6. The Rams are 1-2 in non-conference matchups this season, with their lone win delivered against Arkansas. CSU’s last victory over an FCS opponent, such as Illinois State, was on last year’s Ag Day game when the Rams beat Abilene Christian.
5. Proceeds fund scholarships
A portion of the proceeds generated by Ag Day provide funding for the students in the College of Agricultural Sciences. The event typically funds 15 to 20 scholarships each year, totaling $461,000 through 260 scholarships since year 2000 alone.
Check back to 9news.com on Saturday for complete coverage of the CSU vs. Illinois State football game.
