Linebacker Tre Thomas scored on a 44-yard interception return to lead a Colorado State defense that forced five turnovers, Nick Stevens threw three TD passes and the Rams opened their new on-campus stadium with a 58-27 win over Oregon State on a steamy Saturday in Fort Collins, Colo.
Colorado State moved into its new digs this season after nearly five decades of playing down the road at Hughes Stadium. A raucous crowd announced at 37,583 showed up to catch a glimpse of the $220 million facility.
Colorado State athletic director Joe Parker said he was so eager for the stadium opener that he arrived at 6:45 a.m.
Stevens did his part to make sure it was a successful unveiling by throwing for 334 yards — his third career 300-yard passing game.
The Beavers fumbled twice and threw three interceptions on the way to losing their 14th consecutive road game. Coached by former Wisconsin coach Gary Andersen, Oregon State plays host to the Gophers on Sept. 9.
Oregon State's Jake Luton completed 27 of 47 passes for 304 yards and two scores. He also threw three interceptions, including the game-changer in the third quarter. Thomas grabbed a tipped pass out of the air and raced 44 yards for the score to make it 34-20.
Brigham Young 20, Portland State 6: Tanner Mangum threw for 194 yards and a TD as the Cougars won their season opener in Provo, Utah.
Stanford vs. Rice, late: Rice players opening the season with a game in Australia on Sunday used social media to check on news from Houston and Hurricane Harvey. "We are trying to ease the anxiety of the coaching staff and the players," coach David Bailiff said in a video on Twitter.
