Named after the famous jagged peaks of the Colorado Rockies, a fierce rivalry unfolds each year that transcends football – it's the Rocky Mountain Showdown.
This storied rivalry between the Colorado Buffaloes and Colorado State Rams is a battle not just for victory on the gridiron, but a right to claim supremacy over the state of Colorado.
While the black and gold have dominated this rivalry with a winning record of 68-22-2, this year's matchup is going to be different from the others since it's the last time the Buffs and Rams will face off until 2029. The Buffs have won their last six matchups against the green and gold by an average margin of 19 points.
After sneaking out of Folsom with a win last year in double overtime, the Buffs go into the Rams’ territory for the first time since 1996.
Historical backdrop
The Buffs and Rams have faced off since 1893 with this Saturday being their 93rd matchup against each other. In the early years of the matchup, the Buffs demolished the Rams with a record of 13-0-1. It was not until 1912 when the Rams, then known as Colorado A&M, got a win over the Buffs.
The actual name of the Rocky Mountain Showdown did not start until it was played at a neutral site in Denver, Colorado. In the inaugural game, the Buffs defeated the Rams by a score of 42-14.
The glory days of the rivalry
Seen as the little brother for years, the rivalry did not heat up until the late 90s when in 1999 the Rams defeated the No. 14 ranked Colorado Buffaloes for the first time since 1987 at Invesco Field in Denver, Colorado.
The Buffs and Rams throughout the 2000s would have fierce battles, with the Rams' most notable win coming in 2002 when the Rams defeated the ranked No. 7 CU. In that era, the Buffs would go 6-4.
The rivalry today
Today, the Rivalry is heated. In last year's matchup, the Buffs snuck out a double overtime win in a game that felt like the Buffs should not have won. Colorado State head coach Jay Norvell stands poised to make a statement with a win as the Buffs go into enemy territory on Saturday.
Since last year's matchup, the Buffs have won two of their last 11 games, making this contest more important heading into Big 12 play next week.
In their last matchup until 2029, this game is not just for bragging rights. It is a battle for pride, for glory and for the state of Colorado.
Cover graphic by Nick Evans/Sko Buffs Sports
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