Rocky Mountain Showdown Preview: Colorado State Rams vs. Colorado Buffaloes
By Andrew Dill
Sep 1, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Members of both the Colorado State Rams and the Colorado Buffaloes line up from each other in the first quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
College football is finally back and what a way to kick it off with the Rocky Mountain Showdown, consisting of the Colorado State Rams and Colorado Buffaloes. This will be the 86th annual Rocky Mountain Showdown as the Buffs have dominated the series, going 61-21-2.
What: Rocky Mountain Showdown: Rams vs. Buffaloes
When: Friday, August 29th.
Where: Sports Authority Field, Denver, Colorado.
Time: 9:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM MT.
TV: Fox Sports 1.
Line: CU by 3 (Bovada)
During the 85th annual Rocky Mountain Showdown last season, the Buffaloes came away victorious with a 41-27 win, capturing The Centennial Cup and the bragging rights for the season. Before Sefo Liufau took over later in the season, Connor Wood led the Buffs in the win as he passed for 400 yards on 33-of-46 attempts, recording three touchdowns — two of those two Paul Richardson. Richardson caught 10 balls for 208 yards as the receiver was selected in the second-round of the 2014 NFL Draft to the Seattle Seahawks.
The Rams were led by junior running back Kapri Bibbs who carried the ball 15 times for 70 yards, recording two touchdowns to keep it close. Bibbs declared for the NFL draft along with linebacker Shaquil Barrett as they lost two of their key players.
The running game was the Rams key strength last season but losing the NCAA’s top rusher will be a crushing blow. The Rams would also lose four starting offensive lineman which will be a learning curve and could be exploited right away.
Colorado will be returning a key part of their defense last year in sophomore Addison Gillam. Gillam started all 12 games last year and was the only freshman in CU history to record more than 90 tackles in a season.
With the loss of Paul Richardson in the Buffs offense, Colorado will reportedly go with the wide-receiver by committee look with Nelson Spruce, D.D. Goodson, and Bryce Bobo.
The Rams do have something to make up for their loss in the run game with Alabama transfer Dee Hart. The 5-foot-9, 187 pound back has made some strides in camp and�has stood out to their coaching staff. The Rams will also return quarterback Garrett Grayson who passed for 201 yards in last year’s game.
Prediction:
There is so much uncertainty heading into this game as I believe it will be a close one. Both teams have a lot of new players so anyone’s guess is as good as mine. I have the Buffaloes pulling away with a 27-21 victory at Sports Authority.