How to watch Colorado vs. CSU: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more
The Rocky Mountain Showdown kicks off the 2014 season for Colorado’s two biggest programs.
For the third consecutive year, the Colorado Buffaloes and Colorado State Rams open their seasons with a renewal of one of the nation's most underrated rivalries. Kickoff of the Rocky Mountain Showdown, played at Denver's Mile High Stadium, is set for 9 p.m. ET, with television coverage on Fox Sports 1.
The Buffaloes hold a 62-21-1 edge all-time over their in-state rivals, but the recent history of the game is nowhere near as lopsided. The Rams have won six of their last 15 meetings with Colorado, including a five-point victory in 2012. Last year, Colorado left Denver with a 14-point victory.
Colorado kicks off its second season under coach Mike MacIntyre, having gone 4-8 in his inaugural campaign. Former Alabama assistant Jim McElwain is starting his third year as head coach in Fort Collins, having taken the Rams to a win in the New Mexico Bowl last season.
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How to witness
TV: 9 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1
Radio: 850 KOA in Denver for Colorado, 105.5 FM Denver for Colorado State
Online streaming: Fox Sports Go
The numbers
Rankings and records: Neither team is ranked as the season begins, and while Colorado has been picked at the bottom of the Pac-12 South this year, Colorado State is a potential Mountain West championship contender.
Vegas: Colorado is favored by 3.
Weather forecast: Sunny and hot, with highs in the upper 80s. The late kickoff should help, though.
Three names to know
Garrett Grayson, QB, Colorado State: The Rams don't have a built-in replacement for record-setting halfback Kapri Bibbs, so while the Crimson Tide-influenced McElwain will never abandon the running game, he could rely more heavily on the arm of his senior quarterback. Grayson completed 62 percent of his passes last season and threw for nearly 3,600 yards, so he is certainly no slouch.
Sefo Liufau, QB, Colorado: On the other sideline, Colorado officially hands the keys to the sophomore Liufau, who entered the fray five games into 2013, won the starting job the next week, and has never looked back. He was what one would expect from a freshman starter: inconsistent and turnover-prone. He did show flashes of the ability that has made him the most hyped quarterback in Boulder since Joel Klatt.
Cory James, OLB, Colorado State: With three new starters on the defensive front, Colorado State will again turn to James to provide a pass rush. The junior outside linebacker recorded eight sacks last season among his 60 tackles. He is part of an excellent quartet of linebackers; Max Morgan and Aaron Davis are as good a pair of run-stuffing inside linebackers as one can find in a mid-major program.
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Two things at stake
There’s pride. As with any good in-state rivalry, Colorado and CSU are playing for a year of bragging rights and ownership of the state. While Colorado State’s eight-win 2013 was one of the finest seasons the program has had in years, it was marred slightly by the loss to the hated Buffaloes. Likewise, a loss by Colorado could finish off a potentially promising season before it even begins.
Colorado State is trying to build on last season’s success and make a second consecutive bowl trip, but a schedule that includes a trip to Boston College and Mountain West road games against Boise State and Nevada leaves little room for error. A loss on Saturday could make it difficult for the Rams to find their way to bowl eligibility.
Further reading
Head to The Ralphie Report for all the news on Colorado football. Mountain West Connection covers Colorado State and the rest of the MWC.
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