BYU overpowers Colorado State: LJ Martin fuels No. 11 Cougars' non-conference win over Rams

End of 3Q: No. 11 BYU 38, Colorado State 7

The second half has been notably less explosive than the first, but that's largely because BYU has been content to burn some clock as it takes full control of this game.

The Cougars are now up to 265 rushing yards, and they are averaging almost nine yards per carry. That has lead to BYU controlling 25:44 of clock in this game, and it has simply leaned on Colorado State since midway through the first quarter. The loss of Hauss Hejny hurt the Rams' ability to move the ball, but the Cougars have simply been too much to handle.

HALF: No. 11 BYU 31, Colorado State 7

BYU's size and physicality have proven overwhelming against Colorado State. The Cougars are imposing their will on offense, and that has really shown up in the run game.

With gaping holes opening up in front of him, BYU star running back LJ Martin has been ripping off one big gain after another. He's already up to 173 yards and three touchdowns, and there are still 30 minutes to play. Legend Glasker has been a standout as well, making his presence felt with 133 total yards and a score.

Colorado State is without quarterback Hauss Hejny, who left the game with a leg injury, and that puts a huge dent in the Rams' chances of mounting a comeback.

End of 1Q: No. 11 BYU 21, Colorado State 7

The BYU offense has been humming through the first 15 minutes. The Cougars have been moving down the field like a hot knife through butter, and the Rams have had no answer.

The Cougars have 225 total yards, and LJ Martin is on pace for a huge day. He has all three of his team's touchdowns, which puts him on pace for a dozen tonight. Legend Glasker is also torching Colorado State with 98 receiving yards on just two catches.

To make matters worse for Colorado State, quarterback Hauss Hejny is now watching the game without his helmet on. Hejny pulled up, grabbing his right hamstring on an earlier drive. He attempted to come back in the game, but Hejny just didn't look right. K'saan Farrar has taken over in Hejny's absence.

9:42 1Q: No. 11 BYU 14, Colorado State 7

We've barely played for five minutes, and we've already scored 21 points.

This time, it was the Cougars with a quick-strike offense. A 76-yard reception from Legend Glasker set BYU up on the goal line, and LJ Martin punched in a touchdown from short yardage.

BYU and Colorado State have already combined for 230 net yards of offense, so don't get off your couch or look at your phone or blink. You'll probably miss something given the way this one has started.

11:22 1Q: No. 11 BYU 7, Colorado State 7

How's that for an answer?!

After a couple of miscues early gave BYU a quick 7-0 lead, Colorado State answered with a seven-play, 80-yard touchdown drive of its own. Rams QB Hauss Hejny was excellent on that drive, completing 5 of 6 passes for 56 yards, which included a perfect touchdown pass to RJ Vick.

That was an impressive first possession against one of the best defenses in the Big 12.

14:11 1Q: No. 11 BYU 7, Colorado State 0

Well, that wasn't an ideal start for the Rams. Colorado State put the opening kickoff out of bounds, which set up BYU in great field position, and it didn't take long for the Cougars to get on the board. On the second play from scrimmage, LJ Martin found a whole lot of daylight for a 56-yard scamper to the end zone.

Start of 1Q: No. 11 BYU 0, Colorado State 0

After a lengthy lightning delay, the ball is in the air, and we are underway from Fort Collins. The Cougars and Rams will reignite their old Mountain West rivalry, and BYU is looking to extend its seven-game winning streak against Colorado State. Meanwhile, the Rams are looking to end their 26-game losing streak against top 25 opponents.

If the Rams are going to pull off the upset, they'll have to do something they haven't done since 2002 -- beat a top 25 team. The last time Colorado accomplished that feat, it beat No. 7 Colorado a mere 24 years ago.

Is Colorado State due? Ending this streak against No. 11 BYU would be a tall task. The Cougars are a big and physical bunch, more than worthy of their status as Big 12 contenders. Colorado State will need to have its A-game in order to have any shot at leaving this game with a win.

Weather has made its presence felt around the country today, and this game is no exception. Due to lightning in the area, kickoff between BYU and Colorado State is now scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET on CBS.

Stay locked in with our live coverage at CBS Sports to stay in the loop if there are any more delays.

The Cougars are riding a seven-game win streak over the Rams, and the games haven't been particularly close over that stretch. Six of those victories have been by double-digits. The gap has only widened in recent years with BYU joining power conferences and receiving significant financial investment.

Despite all that, this is the first meeting between BYU and Colorado State since 2010, so you can't place too much stock in the last season games. Can the Rams turn the tide today?

Our team of college football gurus logged picks -- straight-up and against the sprad -- for tonight's clash between the Cougars and Rams. Would it shock you to find out that BYU was not the unanimous selection in either category? Our experts had a good amount of faith in Colorado -- at least when it comes to keeping the game interesting for all four quarters.

College football picks: Predictions against the spread, odds, betting lines for top 25 games in Week 3

Brandon Marcello

Don't sleep on this non-conference matchup. No. 11 BYU has been a force through the first two weeks, but Colorado State has been lighting up the scoreboard. Former four-star recruit Hauss Hejny is playing quarterback at an extremely high level for the Rams, but his Cougars counterpart has been great too. Bear Bachmeier has the wheels to keep Colorado State on its heels all night.

BYU vs. Colorado State prediction, pick, odds, spread: No. 11 Cougars set to face tough road test against Rams

Austin Nivison