This weekend marks the highly anticipated Rocky Mountain Showdown, as Deion Sanders and his Colorado Buffaloes square off against their in-state rival Colorado State Rams in Fort Collins. It’s the first time since 1996 that the Buffaloes will play on the road in this rivalry, making the atmosphere at Canvas Stadium electric. With the game scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff on CBS, fans are set for a thrilling contest.
Last season’s showdown was unforgettable, with both teams combining for 917 yards and 78 points. Colorado State's quarterback, Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, delivered an outstanding performance, throwing for 367 yards and three touchdowns. However, Shedeur Sanders matched him step-for-step, totaling 348 yards and four touchdowns in a game that went into double overtime, with Colorado emerging victorious 43-35. Both quarterbacks return for this year's matchup, but the stakes feel different this time around.
Colorado enters the game at 1-1, still smarting from a 28-10 loss to Nebraska. A win here could be exactly what the Buffaloes need to regain momentum. Meanwhile, the Rams, also 1-1, are looking to snap a six-game losing streak to Colorado. After suffering a tough loss to Texas in Week 1, CSU bounced back with a 38-17 victory over Northern Colorado.
One of the key matchups in this game will be Colorado State’s star receiver, Tory Horton, against Colorado’s standout cornerback, Travis Hunter. Horton made waves last season with 16 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown in this very game. On the other side, Hunter has emerged as a shutdown corner, often taking on the opponent's top offensive threats. Watching these two battle it out will be a treat for fans.
Another storyline is Colorado’s offensive line. They’ve struggled to protect Shedeur Sanders, allowing six sacks in their last game against Nebraska. Colorado State, however, has had issues with their pass rush, recording only one sack in two games. The absence of Mohamed Kamara, who had two sacks against Colorado last year before heading to the NFL, has been felt on the Rams’ defense. Saturday’s game could offer Colorado a chance to get back on track in the trenches.
The rivalry will also be on hold after this season until 2029, making this edition of the Rocky Mountain Showdown even more special. After playing this weekend, the two teams won't meet again until they face off in a home-and-home series set for 2029-30. For now, the winner will claim bragging rights for at least the next five years.
As fans gear up for the big game, all eyes will be on how both teams respond to the pressure and what impact this contest will have on their seasons. Will Colorado reassert its dominance, or will Colorado State finally end its six-game losing streak? Either way, the Rocky Mountain Showdown promises to deliver excitement once again.
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