Game headlines
Keeler: CSU Rams safety Henry Blackburn owes CU Buffs star Travis Hunter an apology for the mother of all cheap shots
Inside CSU Rams’ “brutal” loss to CU after blowing fourth-quarter lead in Rocky Mountain Showdown
Shilo Sanders is climbing Coach Prime’s “favorite kid” power rankings, but don’t sleep on Colorado football’s new grand entrance: “I love Lil’ Wayne like he’s my son”
CU Buffs’ Shedeur Sanders engineers legendary comeback against rival CSU Rams
CU Buffs vs. CSU Rams quick hits: Colorado survives Henry Blackurn, Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi and an overtime thriller for the ages
Deion Sanders: CU Buffs star Travis Hunter likely out “a few weeks” after being taken to hospital during Colorado State game
Prime Rage: CU, CSU football players tussle before Rocky Mountain Showdown
FINAL: CU 43, CSU 35
(12:27 a.m.): And they are storming the field in Boulder. Wouldn’t have predicted that pregame — just because a win felt like a given — but after the way this one end, it feels right. — Matt Schubert
OVERTIME
(12:25 a.m.): GAME OVER: Facing fourth-and-goal at the 23-yard line, Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi’s throw into the end zone is picked off by Trevor Woods. What a game. What a finish. The Rams will be killing themselves for how they let this slip away. Shedeur Sanders adds to the legend. — Matt schubert
(12:23 a.m.): CSU now has 16 penalties for 182 yards. And they are still not done. It’s third and goal. — Matt Schubert
(12:22 a.m.): I believe the game has crossed four hours. — Bennett Durando
(12:16 a.m.): Shedeur Sanders to Michael Harrison … again … and the Buffs are back on top. We’d tell you why CU got the ball to start OT again, but we have no clue. Either way, it’s 43-35 CU after Sanders hits Xavier Weaver for the two-point conversion. This. Game. Is. Amazing. — Matt Schubert
(12:12 a.m.): Really think the Rams should’ve gone for the win there. Had you told Jay Norvell prior to the game that he had one play to beat CU in its own place, he would’ve taken it in a second. So why not now? — Matt Schubert
(12:10 a.m.): STILL GOING! Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi hits Tory Horton with a bullet in the back of the end zone. And we’re going to another OT. — Matt Schubert
(12:07 a.m.): Agreed. — Matt Schubert
If CSU scores, the Rams must go for 2. — Bennett Durando
(12:05 a.m.): And there’s Michael Harrison, again, on a pass from Shedeur Sanders. Touchdown Buffs, and suddenly, it’s CSU that is fighting for its life after Alejandro Mata drills the extra point. 35-28 CU. — Matt Schubert
(12:03 a.m.): Mohamed Kamara has been DQ’d from the game for a targeting hit on Shedeur Sanders. Huge loss for CSU if this game continues into another OT. – Kyle Newman
(12:02 a.m.) Just a BRUTAL facemask for CSU when it looked like it was about to force a third-and-long — immediately followed by a late hit on Mohamed Kamara. Those are back-breaking penalties for the Rams. And now CU is on the doorstep of a go-ahead touchdown. — Matt Schubert
FOURTH QUARTER
(11:56 p.m.): I thought Deion Sanders had a second to fit in a timeout there if he wanted it. Why not? The best college football endings always happen when one second is added back on. — Bennett Durando
(11:54 p.m.): The Rams go three yards on three plays. It looks like this is headed to overtime, folks. And let’s all be thankful that we get to watch more of this. — Matt Schubert
(11:48 p.m.): THIS AIN’T OVER YET. Shedeur Sanders marches the Buffs 98 yards and then hits his tight end for a two-point conversion. All tied, 28-all. And one of the greatest Rocky Mountain Showdowns may just deliver free football. There’s 36 seconds left in regulation. — Matt Schubert
Great play design. See, if you had that up your sleeve the whole time, why didn’t you use it to get 6 points earlier instead of 2 points now? — Bennett Durando
(11:46 p.m.): Naturally, the game will come down to the 2 yards that Deion Sanders was afraid of trying to pick up 45 minutes ago. — Bennett Durando
(11:41 p.m.): After bleeding the clock to 2:06, CSU pooch punts the ball to the CU 2-yard line. The Buffs have 98 yards to keep their perfect season alive. This is Shedeur Sanders’ moment. — Matt Schubert
(11:34 p.m.): The final five minutes are where great football coaches make their dough, but to this point, Jay Norvell has clearly outcoached and outschemed Deion Sanders. — Kyle Newman
(11:33 p.m.): Yo, Buffs: Less CSU tick-tick-tick. More CSU kick-kick-kick. — Sean Keeler
(11:29 p.m.): Once again, the Buffs offense stalls out in CSU territory. After a Alejandro Mata field goal, CSU’s lead is cut to 28-20. Can the Buffs defense come up with a stop? — Matt Schubert
(11:24 p.m.): “Strategic” cramping, etc.? Rammies using what soccer types call “time-wasting” to throw off CU’s no-huddle pace. — Sean Keeler
Hey, this isn’t over yet. Shedeur Sanders is going Mike Vick mode on Madden right now, scrambling all over the place and advancing the ball down the field. His scrambles are opening up short dump passes. Clearly, No. 2 is calling his own number right now trying to make something happen for CU. –Kyle Newman
(11:20 p.m.): CSU isn’t remotely faster than Team Prime. But they’re bigger. Stronger. And, to this point, hungrier. Touche, Jay. — Sean Keeler
(11:19 p.m.): Jay Norvell raved about Dallin Holker to anyone who would listen prior to the season. After that shoelace grab, it’s easy to see why. — Matt Schubert
(11:17 p.m.): Dallin Holker atones for his earlier fumble, with a 35-yard TD grab off his shoelaces on third-and-long. CSU 28, CU 17. Lots of stunned Buffs fans right now. — Kyle Newman
Well, at least Colorado fans can be comforted by the knowledge that it’s a one-score ga– oh, wait, they kicked a field goal from the CSU 2-yard line while down 7 points in the fourth quarter. Right. — Bennett Durando
(11:11 p.m.): The high-flying Buffs offense is suddenly hard-pressed to get one yard when it desperately needs one. That field goal isn’t a white flag, but it feels eerily like a punt — an admission of a fatal flaw from the coach who just hung 45 on TCU a couple weeks ago. — Bennett Durando
In another dispiriting sequence for the Buffs offensive line, they are unable to punch the ball in with three runs inside the CSU 5-yard line. After a Jace Feeley field goal, it’s 21-17 CSU. This Rams defense refuses to give in. — Matt Schubert
(11:06 P.M.): Official attendance for tonight’s Rocky Mountain Showdown: 53,141. — Kyle Newman
Third quarter analysis: With 15 minutes left, this is Colorado State’s Rocky Mountain Showdown to lose. And if CU somehow escapes with a W, the hype should be taken down a few notches. — Kyle Newman
THIRD QUARTER THOUGHTS
Matt Schubert, sports editor: Fifteen minutes, and it’s still 21-14 CSU. If the Buffs weren’t feeling any pressure, they sure are now. This is one of the games EVERYONE had penciled in as a win prior to the season. A loss here would be deflating for the Buffs, and equally uplifting for CSU.
Sean Keeler, sports columnist: Even if you believe in Coach Prime, it’s hard to believe in this Buffs offensive line. The Rams have been able to extend the job that Nebraska — again, no quarterback, no passing game — just couldn’t. If CU can’t come away with 6 out of this drive, that’s a moral win for a bunch of CSU upstarts who are 15 minutes away from one of the biggest in school history.
(11:04 p.m.): With the end of the quarter, we get a nice, long wait to think about the upcoming third-and-goal for CU. I don’t need all that time to know this should be four-down territory if CU can’t get in on the next play. Then again, with an offensive line like this… — Bennett Durando
(11:03 p.m.): Buffs backup kicker Alejandro Mata is warming up on the sideline. Jace Feeley might not get another shot tonight. — Matt Schubert
(10:57 p.m.): Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi giveth and taketh away. An ill-advised throw from the CSU quarterback leads to another interception and the Buffs are back in business. — Matt Schubert
STORY: CU Buffs star Travis Hunter taken to hospital during Rocky Mountain Showdown vs. Colorado State
(10:53 p.m.): Jace Feely absolutely shanked that field goal attempt. I wouldn’t call on him again if I was Coach Prime. — Kyle Newman
Shanks for nada, Jace Feely. — Sean Keeler
One blocked field goal deserves another. The CU Buffs’ march into CSU territory dies near the 20, and another scoring opportunity with it. It’s still 21-14 CSU with 4:19 left in the third quarter. — Matt Schubert
(10:46 p.m.): Every time it looks like CSU is going to take a stranglehold on this game, the Buffs come up with a play. This time, it’s a blocked field goal attempt. Shedeur Sanders and the Buffs need to make something happen. Soon. — Matt Schubert
(10:43 p.m.): If CSU scores on this drive, Folsom Field is about to get really, really quiet. Dallin Holker’s redzone fumble bailed the stadium out of that vibe a few minutes ago, but CSU’s offense has serious momentum right now and is itching to get the momentum right back. Rams are getting push in the trenches on every play. — Kyle Newman
(10:41 p.m.): No Hunter. Dumb late contact penalty. Buffs are … shook. — Sean Keeler
(10:40 p.m.): Mohamed Kamara goes to the sideline again and gets stretched out on the bench. Seems like he’s been dealing with cramps or something else in his leg since the first time he went down. But in the in-between time, he sacked Shedeur Sanders twice. I’m not sure whether that’s a testament to how killer he is or how bad the CU offensive line is. — Bennett Durando
CU WR/CB Travis Hunter ruled out of game, taken to local hospital for evaluation. No word yet on what the injury is specifically. — Kyle Newman
(10:36 p.m.): Travis Hunter was not on the field during the Rams’ opening offensive drive of the half, which ends in a fumble in the red zone by Dallin Holker. Shilo Sanders, having himself a RMS debut, forced the fumble. — Kyle Newman
Travis Hunter isn’t playing offense for the Buffs in the second half yet, either. — Kyle Newman
(10:31 p.m.): If the Buffs go down two scores, at home, will Lil Wayne spontaneously combust? — Sean Keeler
The Buffs have a great quarterback but a bad offensive line. The Buffs have a great defensive back but a bad secondary. These things were clear but ignorable (?) before now. They are not anymore. — Bennett Durando
(10:30 p.m.): Overheard by me, ‘cuz I just said it to my man Bennett: “Nebraska might really, really s-ck.” Bennett and Newman: “They really, really might.” — Sean Keeler
Three and out for the Buffs, ending with Shedeur Sanders getting sacked. Not the start CU was looking for. And now CSU has the ball at midfield. — Matt Schubert
(10:26 p.m.): It cannot be overstated how big of a win this would be for the Jay Norvell Era at Colorado State. They’ve got two quarters to pull off one of the biggest stunners in the history of the Rocky Mountain Showdown. And Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi can enter Bradlee Van Pelt territory. — Matt Schubert
CSU 21, CU 14
HALFTIME THOUGHTS
Matt Schubert, sports editor: The Buffs are one Shilo Sanders pick-six away from being down three scores in this game. The Buffs spent half the week declaring that this is personal, but this is the Rams’ Super Bowl, and they are playing like it right now. If the Buffs don’t show up in the second half, that Oregon game loses a whole lot of hype.
Sean Keeler, sports columnist: And we have something new, kids: The first halftime deficit of the Coach Prime Era. Also new: Were those ACTUAL boos? Last weekend at the half, CU was plus-3 in the turnover battle going into the break. Tonight: minus-1. Buckle up, kids.
Bennett Durando, sports reporter: The difference is in the air. Shedeur Sanders is 13 for 16, a great completion rate at face value, but a lot of those passes are screens or checkdowns under pressure. Barely anything explosive, much less beyond the line of scrimmage. Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi has only completed four more passes than Sanders, but how does the battle of passing yards shake out at halftime? CSU 224, CU 64. Time to make progressions and make throws matters. CU’s offensive line is showing once again that it’s not up to the task of giving that to Sanders. Not only have the Rams snapped the ball 21 more times than the Buffs; they’re averaging 6 yards per play to Colorado’s 4.1. The score actually might be misleading in terms of how close this is?
Kyle Newman, sports reporter: CSU isn’t just up 21-14. They have CU on the ropes right now. The Rams are winning at the line of scrimmage. Is Wazzu, which whooped the Rams two weeks ago in FoCo, really that good? On CU’s end, is TCU overrated and Nebraska really that bad? I don’t know what to think right now, other than all these Denver Post yahoos who picked a Buffs blowout clearly have no idea what they’re talking about. You never know, Prime Time could whip the Buffs into a frenzy at halftime and CU could turn on the jets starting in the third quarter. But right now, this game is projecting to come down to the wire. And where has Travis Hunter been? After Henry Blackburn’s illegal, and tone-setting, hit on Hunter in the first quarter, the star WR has been a non-factor: Two catches for 21 yards, one of which he coughed up for a fumble that was returned for a TD.
(10:18 p.m.): Overheard in the press box at halftime: “How quickly is Clay Milen gonna enter the transfer portal after this game?” “Dude, he’s RUNNING.” — Sean Keeler
If the Buffs don’t come back in the second half here in this Rocky Mountain Showdown, and lose as a 23-point favorite, we might have just witnessed the peak of Prime Hype in Boulder. If you can’t beat the Rams, how are you going to fare against the bigger dogs in conference play? No pressure, Buffs, but hey, when Weezy leads you out of the tunnel, you better show up to play. — Kyle Newman
(9:59 p.m.): Dudes, Shedeur Sanders did a Moe Howard on Kamara before that last series, too. Intentional poke in the eyes. What are these zebras watching? — Sean Keeler
(9:58 p.m.): Tory Horton, the Rams’ lone offensive bright spot last year with a 1,000-yard receiving season, is showing why he’s a star in Fort Collins. The senior has eight catches for 53 yards and has been dangerous in open space. — Kyle Newman
Tory Horton, the Rams’ lone offensive bright spot last year with a 1,000-yard receiving season, is showing why he’s a star in Fort Collins. The senior has eight catches for 53 yards and has been dangerous in open space. — Kyle Newman
(9:56 p.m.): CU tackle Gerad Christian-Lichtenstein has NINE inches on Mo Kamara. Nine. And Mo literally just whupped a 6-10 dude, crawled to Shedeur, and took him down, too. — Sean Keeler
(9:53 p.m.): Mohamed Kamara seems alright. Just dragged down Sanders for a 10-yard sack. — Bennett Durando
(9:51 p.m.): Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi with a DART to Louis Brown IV for a touchdown. The CSU Rams are not going away. In fact, they are leading, 21-14. Things are about to get uncomfortable in Boulder. — Matt Schubert
Every time I see Jay Norvell on the sidelines, he looks about ready to take flight. Eye of the Tiger, baby. — Sean Keeler
(9:49 p.m.): Fourteen plays, 89 yards, 7:27 of game clock eaten. That’s CSU’s upset formula. — Bennett Durando
Rams self-destructed in the red zone and … STILL got 7 out of it. Heck of a sign for the underdogs. — Sean Keeler
(9:48 p.m.): Points taken off the board so far for CSU: 9. — Sean Keeler
The Rams made it 10 whole minutes in this second quarter without committing a penalty, only for an illegal block below the waist to cost them a touchdown on first-and-goal. — Bennett Durando
(9:46 p.m.): To Matt’s point, BFN doesn’t even have to win this game to keep the starting job. What he’s shown already, despite the pick-six, is way better than the offense Clay Millen was running. The Rams are actually moving the football. And yes, that offensive line does look better than last year, when it was the nation’s worst. — Kyle Newman
And to Sean’s point, the crossing routes are also designed with rollouts for BFN, giving the Rams young QB more time to read the field. And BFN has proven he can throw on the run. — Kyle Newman
Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi could start for a few Power 5s, the way he’s slinging it right now. But ESPECIALLY the one that plays in Nebraska. — Sean Keeler
(9:44 p.m.): With more than eight minutes left in the half at 9:44 local time, starting to wonder if this game will end after midnight. Or after 2 a.m. eastern. — Bennett Durando
Crossing routes, throwing AWAY from Travis Hunter. Not sexy, but good design on Norvell’s part. — Sean Keeler
(9:42 p.m.): CSU medical staff was working on Kamara’s leg for a few minutes on the sideline, then had him hop several times. He’s now sitting with his fellow defensive linemen on the Rams bench. — Bennett Durando
Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi is a roller coaster, but he’s making plays right now for the Rams. The staid, risk-averse offense that CSU fans had come to know with Clay Millen taking snaps is clearly in the rearview mirror. The redshirt freshman quarterback is making a strong case to stay under center with the Rams driving for a go-ahead score in the second quarter. — Matt Schubert
(9:39 p.m.): Slightly reverential slide there, dude. OK, COMPLETELY reverential. — Sean Keeler
(9:35 p.m.): CSU Rams star pass rusher Mohamed Kamara tended to by trainers and helped off the field. If he can’t play, that would be a big loss to the CSU defensive front that’s been effective in pressuring Shedeur Sanders so far, even if the Rams still don’t have a sack. — Kyle Newman
(9:30 p.m.): Combined CU-CSU first downs: 12. Combined “And I took that personally” Michael Jordan references for Travis Hunter on Twitter: 12 million. — Sean Keeler
(9:26 p.m.): LeBron James is weighing in on the hit that leveled Travis Hunter (that’s a completely normal thing to be happening during a CU football game): “I don’t understand the difference between targeting and what I just witnessed. I’ve seen others get thrown out for far less. That was blatant and uncalled for IMO!” — Bennett Durando
FIRST QUARTER THOUGHTS
Matt Schubert, sports editor: Let’s see 11 penalties, multiple personal fouls. Copious trash talk. Yeah, this is personal.
Sean Keeler, sports columnist: Let’s just give Deion and Jay each a pair of boxing gloves, set up a circle around the logo at the 50, and be done with it. ESPN won’t complain.
Bennett Durando, sports reporter: I thought CU-NU was going to be the wild ride last week. Slept on this one. That was a genuinely Iron Bowl-caliber first quarter, in the opinion of this ex-Auburn dweller. We just need some special teams dramatics now.
Kyle Newman, sports reporter: If you’re CSU, you’ve got to feel good about where the game is at. The Rams young QB already made a critical error on a pick six, yet thanks to sloppyness by CU as well, CSU is right in it. If you’re Coach Prime, you’re feeling a little unsettled.
(9:19 p.m.): Rammies on a pace for 32 flags. Because why the hell not. — Sean Keeler
(9:15 p.m.): Saucist Rocky Mountain Showdown first quarter ever?!?!?!? — Matt Schubert
(9:11 p.m.): Not even the end of the first quarter, and we’ve got four unsportsmanlike conducts calls already, plus a chop block and an unnecessary roughness call. Please, Buffs and Rams, clean it up. — Kyle Newman
(9:10 p.m.): I would advise Henry Blackburn to avoid X/Twitter right now. Maybe forever. — Sean Keeler
Travis Hunter is a cyborg. Can’t be killed. — SK
(9:08 p.m.): 12 minutes of the first quarter down, two “break-it-up” separations by the officials already. — Sean Keeler
Rocky Mountain Showdown Have Two Plays In A Row That Are Normal Challenge. — Bennett Durando
Buffs just recovered a fumble while Offset was getting interviewed on the sidelines. God, I love the Prime Era. — Matt Schubert
When does Coach Prime call in the checking line? — Matt Schubert
CU fans starting in with the F— CSU chant, so we’ve arrived. –Kyle Newman
(9:07 p.m.): Weaver’s STILL talking after that TD catch. — Sean Keeler
Xavier Weaver just keeps scoring touchdowns. Dart of a throw from Shedeur Sanders. Lots of separate from Weaver. If you took the over tonight, I tip my hat to you. 14-all with 3:41 left in the first quarter. — Matt Schubert
Xavier Weaver was instantly looking to get in the DB’s face after scoring that touchdown. Officials have done a good job so far limiting the bad blood from turning too bad, but sheesh, it’s only the first quarter and both sidelines are hot. — Bennett Durando
(9:04 p.m.): That is one dirty hit from Boulder’s own, Henry Blackburn. Any way we can make that a 30-yard penalty? — Matt Schubert
Travis Hunter down and in clear pain after a deep pass attempt. Henry Blackburn came up and drilled him after the pass fell incomplete, and was flagged for a personal foul. Buffs took exception to the hit. Blackburn is remembering all the times CU never called him back. — Kyle Newman
(9:03 p.m.): Henry Blackburn will take that 15 all-day today. “Message” 15. — Sean Keeler
(9:00 p.m.): First three touchdowns of the 2023 RMS: interception return, deep pass by a wide receiver, fumble return. — Bennett Durando
(8:58 p.m.): Jay’s a genius. Apologies, Rece Davis. — Sean Keeler
Can anyone recall seeing the Rams play with this much energy before in the Jay Norvell era? Gonna have to put my sunglasses on and go digging … — Matt Schubert
(8:56 p.m.): That’s definitely a fumble. Well done by the refs. — Bennett Durando
(8:53 p.m.): And Fowler-Nicolosi gives the Jamal Murray arrow for the TD celebration. Little Bro got swag. — Sean Keeler
Jay Norvell is FIRED UP on the sideline. Think it’s personal? — Matt Schubert
One referee was needing to gesture toward the sideline to keep the amped-up CSU coaching staff off the field after that touchdown. This is personal for the Rams, too. — Bennett Durando
(8:52 p.m.): It’s another ill-advised swing pass behind the line of scrimmage… no wait!!! It’s a wideout pass… Tory Horton to Dallin Holker, 25yards for the TD, and Rams tie it up 7-7. Crowd is quieted. — Kyle Newman
OK, I’m sold, Stick with BFN from here on out. — Matt Schubert
(8:50 p.m.): CSU had ’em re-kick that … why? — Sean Keeler
This game of 3D chess is slowly devolving into checkers — Matt Schubert
(8:48 p.m.): Gotta believe that out-of-bounds squib kick wasn’t what Coach Prime had in mind. — Matt Schubert
Shane Cokes was playing 4D chess by roughing the snapper, by the way. — Bennett Durando
(8:46 p.m.): And Jordan Noyes’ career long for a collegiate FG (50) is lost to the mists of history. Right along with the Rammies’ hopes. — Sean Keeler
(8:45 p.m.): Bet CSU really wished it had those three points right now. Have to take the penalty, but that is just brutal. It was as if Shilo Sanders knew exactly what was coming. Pick-6 and we even get a late hit in the end zone. Prediction: There will be many, many, many flags tonight. CU 7, CSU 0 with 8:09 left in the first quarter. — Matt Schubert
Interception aside, Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi hasn’t been awful so far in this game. But those picks are exactly what makes him so scary for Rams fans. — Matt Schubert
(8:43 p.m.): Shilo Sanders just skyrocketed in Deion’s Favorite Kid power rankings. — Bennett Durando
Personal. So, so, so personal. — Sean Keeler
(8:41 p.m.): Lack of discipline defining the early stage of this game like it did last week between Colorado and Nebraska. A roughing the snapper penalty against CU extended a possession that had ended with CSU up 3-0 on an impressive 50-yard field goal. (In Columbia, Missouri, we call that a chip shot.) Then CSU quarterback Brayden Nicolosi made one of the more baffling decisions you’ll see by nearly getting intercepted while chucking a ball he should’ve held onto. Lucky him, it’s a sack. Not the sharpest stuff from either side so far. That’s rivalry football, though. — Bennett Durando
(8:40 p.m.): Never mind. Knee was down before the throw. — Sean Keeler
(8:39 p.m.): Personal opinion: NEVER take points off the board. — Matt Schubert
Real time? Pick. Angle from end zone? Hit the ground. — Sean Keeler
(8:37 p.m.): Roughing the snapper. Noyer’s 50-yard field goal is exchanged for a CSU first down on the personal foul on CU. — Kyle Newman
(8:36 p.m.): And your first first down of the game goes to Dallin Holker and the Rams. After another third-down conversion from Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, the Rams are in business in CU territory and looking … dangerous? — Matt Schubert
I would suggest fewer throws behind the line of scrimmage for CSU. — Matt Schubert
(8:31 p.m.): Some might say CSU’s defense was hitting like this is personal. — Matt Schubert
(8:30 p.m.): First two possessions of the Rocky Mountain Showdown: 4 combined yards of offense, zero first downs, three penalties, one turnover. — Bennett Durando
For the second straight week, the Buffs get off to a rough start on offense. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe that is Shedeur Sanders’ first pick with CU. — Matt Schubert
Blind-side blitz creamed Shedeur on that third-and-11 heave + pick. That’s CSU’s plan. Hit Shedeur. Then hit him some more. — Sean Keeler
(8:29 p.m.): Henry Blackburn, the Fairview kid whom CU snubbed, picks off Shedeur Sanders to snuff out the Buffs’ first drive. — Kyle Newman
BoCo’s own grabs Shedeur’s first pick of the year. Poetic. — Sean Keeler
(8:27 p.m.): Differences between Buffs and Rams? On third-and-more-than-11, CSU is toast. On third-and-forever, Shedeur runs around until Hunter, Horn or Weaver get open. — Sean Keeler
(8:24 p.m.): First Weezy. Then on the first play, a screen to CSU’s Horton, CU was whistled for defensive holding. Prime had a word with the officials, and the call was changed to holding on CSU. It’s Deion’s World. We’re all just living in it. — Sean Keeler
Game predictions
Matt Schubert, sports editor: Rocky Mountain Rivalry week has delivered in spades. Trash talk. Controversy and culture wars. Celebs. Pregame fights. Unfortunately, it won’t deliver what matters most: a good game. Unless, of course, you’re a Buffs fans. CU 42, CSU 17
Sean Keeler, sports columnist: I’d love to buy into Rece Davis’ little narrative that CSU coach Jay Norvell is just being sly like his old mentor, Hayden Fry, in trying to amp up his Rammies for a Rocky Mountain Showdown that, on paper, that shouldn’t be a game. That still doesn’t make it a good idea, especially with CU pretty much emotionally having things on auto-pilot for most of the week … until Thursday. We’ve had one shoving match already. This has the smell of an ugly game and a long, long night. But some great TV. Potentially. CU 52, CSU 17.
Kyle Newman, sports reporter: The Rams are either in for perhaps the greatest throttling this rivalry has ever seen or they’re going to somehow make this a game, even though it shouldn’t be. It’s surely the former. CU 49, CSU 10.
Bennett Durando, sports reporter: I’m more interested in the postgame handshake than I am in what happens for the next three hours preceding it. Expecting this to be as boring as the Nebraska game by the fourth quarter. CU 51, CSU 21
Pre-game updates
8:20 p.m.: The Buffaloes have finally taken the field, led by … ahem … Lil Wayne. Rapping with a mic. Yep. Ralphie has been upstaged. — Bennett Durando
Prime Rage: CU, CSU football players tussle before Rocky Mountain Showdown
BOULDER — Oh, it’s more than personal now.
The 92nd Rocky Mountain Showdown got off to a rocky start at Folsom Field on Saturday night, as with 90 minutes to go until kickoff, tempers flared at midfield between players and staff from the CU Buffs and CSU Rams. Read more…
CU Buffs vs. Nebraska: Must reads
Keeler: Bradlee Van Pelt on CU Buffs, Coach Prime and why his CSU Rams can shock the world
BOULDER — If the Buffs want to keep Bradlee Van Pelt out of Folsom Field Saturday night, they’re gonna have to wrap up this time.
“I have a ticket,” the former CSU Rams quarterback and CU Public Enemy No. 1 told me Tuesday afternoon during his California commute. “I have a ticket, they say, if I make it.”
He laughed. If? Are you kidding? Deion Sanders? Rocky Mountain Showdown? With his Rammies up against the world, Stephen A. Smith, the Wu-Tang Clan, ESPN, Fox Sports and half the 1997 Pro Bowl roster? Dude wouldn’t miss it.
“Hang on, hang on,” I said. “Are you even allowed at Folsom after what happened last time?” Read more…
The Rocky Mountain Showdown returns on Saturday, September 16, 2023, to Folsom Field in Boulder. This is the 92nd meeting between the Colorado State Rams and the University of Colorado Buffaloes. The No. 18 Buffs look to take a sixth straight win and their 10th in the teams’ last 11 meetings. Though CU is riding the wave of success behind head coach Deion Sanders after wins against TCU and Nebraska, the ranked team in the past six meetings is 0-6. (Denver Post file)
The Colorado Buffaloes mascot Ralphie and it’s handlers take the field before the Buffs play the Washington Huskies at Folsom Field Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
CAM the Ram and its handlers run in the end zone after Colorado State Rams wide receiver Olabisi Johnson #81 scored a touchdown in the first quarter during the Rocky Mountain Showdown at Broncos Stadium at Mile High Aug. 31, 2018. CAM the Ram prepares for on of the nation’s premier live-animal mascot matchups as Ralphie VI awaits. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Past and then-present CSU football players John Hammond (second from left) and Dr. Floyd Cross joined Tom Robinson (left) and Doug Endres at ceremonies Monday, May 9, 1967 signaling the start of construction on new 30,000-seat football stadium to be located west of main campus. The stadium, later known as Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium, would not host a game between CSU and the University of Colorado Buffaloes until October 3, 1987 – a 29-16 win for CU. The Rams defeated New Mexico 49–31 during the team’s last game at the field on November 19, 2016 before moving to their modern on-campus facility, Sonny Lubick Field
at Canvas Stadium. (Denver Post file)
Colorado State University lineman practice in Fort Collins during the 1985 spring season on April 21, 1985. The Rams would lose to 23-10 to the Colorado Buffaloes on September 7, 1985 in Boulder. During the decade CU dominated the renewed rivalry by way of a 5-1 record. The Rams’ sole win came in 1986, a 23-7 win at Boulder. (Denver Post file)
Colorado State Rams player John Ivlov eludes University of Colorado Buffaloes defender Greg Lindsey on his way to scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of No. 12 CU’s 37-17 win on September 6, 1992 in Boulder. The victory was the fourth of an eight-win streak by the Buffs – tied for the second longest run in the series. From 1934 to 1947 the Buffs rattled off 12 straight wins. (Photo By John Leyba/The Denver Post)
OCTOBER 4, 1987: University of Colorado Buffaloes defenders Michael Jones, Mickey Pruitt and Rodney Rogers put on a big hit on Colorado State Rams running back Tony Carr during CU’s 29-16 in Fort Collins. The win was the first of eight straight for CU spanning from 1987 until CSU’s 42-14 upset win over No. 14 CU on September 4, 1999. The series has seen one of the teams ranked in the head-to-head matchup 11 times with the unranked opponent winning each of the past 6. CU enters the 2023 matchup at Boulder ranked No. 18, while the Rams are 0-1. (Photo By Damian Strohmeyer/The Denver Post)
University of Colorado Buffaloes player Mike Pritchard scores the winning touchdown as Colorado State Rams defender Lance Ane fails to stop him during a 27-23 showdown on October 1, 1988. The four-point loss was the closest game during an eight-win streak by CU, which saw the Buffs outscore the Rams 301-159. (Photo By Duane Howell/The Denver Post)
In this undated photo workers paint Colorado into the end zone ahead of a showdown between the Colorado Buffaloes and the Colorado State Rams. Colorado leads the all-time series 67-22-2. The Buffs won 52-31 at Mile High in Denver on August 30, 2019 to cap off their fifth straight win and look to ride a 2-0 record behind head coach Deion Sanders for a sixth.
Head Coach Sonny Lubick of the Colorado State Rams gets soaked by his team during the post-game interviews after CSU’s 28-24 win over the No. 23 Colorado Buffaloes on September 2, 2000 at Mile High Stadium in Denver. The Rams defeated the Buffaloes 28-24. The series has seen one of the teams ranked in the head-to-head matchup 11 times with the unranked opponent winning each of the past 6. 2000’s Showdown was the third of six straight that saw one of the two teams ranked. They split the series 3-3 in what could be considered the golden age of the rivalry. CU enters the 2023 matchup at Boulder ranked No. 18, while the Rams are 0-1. (Photo by Rodolfo Ganzales/Allsport)
Quarterback Bradlee Van Pelt (11) of the Colorado State University Rams high steps past safety J.J. Billingsley (5) of the University of Colorado Buffaloes during the CU’s 42-35 upset win at Invesco Field at Mile High on August 30, 2003 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo By Karl Gehring/The Denver Post)
Quarterback Bradlee Van Pelt of the No. 24 ranked CSU Rams is greeted in the end zone by running back Rahsaan Sanders (3) and tight end Matt Bartz (92) after Van Pelt scored the game’s first touchdown during the CU Buffs’ 42-35 win on August 30, 2003. The series has seen one of the teams ranked in the head-to-head matchup 11 times with the unranked opponent winning each of the past 6. 2003’s Showdown was the sixth of six straight that saw one of the two teams ranked. They split the series 3-3 in what could be considered the golden age of the rivalry. CU enters the 2023 matchup at Boulder ranked No. 18, while the Rams are 0-1. (Photo By Karl Gehring/The Denver Post)
The 2010 Rocky Mountain Showdown was played on Sept. 4, 2010, at Invesco Field at Mile High.
Center Tim Walter #57 of the Colorado State Rams readies to snap the ball at the line of scrimmage against the Colorado Buffaloes at INVESCO Field at Mile High on September 1, 2007 in Denver, Colorado. Colorado won 31-28 in overtime. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Colorado University teaamtes, Scotty McKnight, left, Cody Hawkins, left, and Jalil Brown, right, hold the Governors trophy after defeating the Colorado State Rams 24-3 in the Cinch Jeans Rocky Mountain Showdown college football game at Mile High at Invesco Field Saturday, September 4th 2010. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Colorado State mascot Cam the Ram gets tossed by fans during the Rocky Mountain Showdown at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium Saturday afternoon. The Rams defeated the Buffs 22-17. The Denver Post/ Andy Cross
Garrett Grayson of the Colorado State Rams throws against the Colorado Buffaloes defense during the second half of the Buffaloes’ 41-27 Rocky Mountain Showdown win at Mile High on Sunday, Sept. 1, 2013.
Getty Images file
The Colorado Buffaloes offense controls the ball against the Colorado State Rams in the Rocky Mountain Showdown at Mile High on Sept. 1, 2012 in Denver.
BOULDER,CO–SEPTEMBER 4TH 2004–Colorado QB, Joel Klatt scrambles out of the pocket and gain a some yards against Colorado University late in the first quarter of play during the Rocky Mountain Showdown at Folsom Field Saturday evening. THE DENVER POST/ ANDY CROSS
New Colorado State University head coach, Jim McElwain, enters the field for warm-ups against Colorado University for annual Rocky Mountain Showdown at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium Saturday afternoon.
Colorado and Colorado State helmets sit next to the Rocky Mountain Showdown trophy.
Colorado State head coach, Jim McElwain, on the sidelines during the Rocky Mountain Showdown against University of Colorado at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium Saturday afternoon. The Rams defeated the Buffs 22-17. (The Denver Post/ Andy Cross)
Quarterback Garrett Grayson #18 of the Colorado State Rams drops back to pass against the Colorado Buffaloes in the Rocky Mountain Showdown at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 1, 2012 in Denver, Colorado.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN SHOWDOWN: Colorado quarterback Tyler Hansen avoids a sack by Colorado State at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in September 2011 during the annual game between the two schools.
Parker Orms (13) of the Colorado Buffaloes upends Kivon Cartwright (86) of the Colorado State Rams during the second half of the Buffaloes’ 41-27 Rocky Mountain Showdown win at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Sunday, September 1, 2013. CU leads the all-time series. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
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PHOTOS: A look back at the history of the Rocky Mountain Showdown
When the University of Colorado pummeled Colorado Agricultural College 70-6 on February 10, 1893, they laid a foundation. Now, 130 years and 91 meetings later, the two longtime rivals will revive their traditional matchup after a four-year layoff – the longest since the series was put on hold from 1958-1983.
In recent years, the Rocky Mountain Showdown has seen wins for both teams, though that hasn’t always been the case. Colorado’s win total now sits at 67, while Colorado State University has managed just 22 – seven of them coming in the past 21 meetings since 1999. Before 1999, CU rattled off eight straight wins spanning 1987-98. CSU’s lone success during the dominant Buffs’ run in the 1980s and 90s – not counting the 1999 win – was a 23-7 victory at Boulder on Sept. 6, 1986. More photos…
Kiszla: For his next trick, CU Buffs coach Deion Sanders could drive CSU football into oblivion
While we loudly sing the praises of Deion Sanders as the miracle worker that has brought CU football back from the dead, has all the gold and glitz of Coach Prime blinded us to the imminent demise of college sports?
“If we’re going to have to pay the players, college athletics that we’ve been used to will be obliterated. College athletics as we’ve known it will be gone within three years,” Chuck Neinas told me Thursday.
“CU won’t have skiing, won’t have track and won’t have soccer. They will all become club sports, with no financial aid for teams that will have to find their own coach and make their own travel.” Read more…
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