“Battleground Showdown: Your Guide to Watching Colorado vs. Colorado State Live!”

The Rocky Mountain Showdown: A Rivalry Rekindled

The long-awaited clash between in-state rivals, No. 18 Colorado and Colorado State, is set to take place this Saturday in Week 3 of the college football season. The matchup holds great significance as it marks the first meeting between the two teams since 2019, despite being located within an hour’s drive of each other.

A Battle on Home Turf

One of the notable aspects of this game is that it will be the first on-campus battle between Colorado and Colorado State since 2009. For the past decade, the teams have faced off in 10 straight neutral site games at Denver’s Empower Field at Mile High. This return to their respective campuses adds an extra level of excitement and anticipation for both the players and fans.

Colorado‘s Dominance

The Colorado Buffaloes head into this matchup with a five-game win streak against the Colorado State Rams, dating back to 2015. In fact, they have won every game during this period by at least 14 points, boasting a combined scoring margin of 158-54. Additionally, Colorado holds a commanding all-time series lead with a record of 67-22-2. However, it’s worth noting that Colorado State did manage to secure a victory the last time they played in Boulder, although they have struggled since then with a 2-10 record.

A Blazing Start for Colorado

First-year coach Deion Sanders has propelled the Colorado Buffaloes to a strong start, with wins against TCU and Nebraska in the first two weeks of the season. This marks the first time in 30 years that Colorado has opened their season with two Power Five wins, excluding the COVID-19 affected schedule in 2020. The team’s early success has generated excitement and optimism among Buffaloes fans, who are eager to see if Sanders can maintain the momentum.

Critical Matchup for Colorado State

On the other side, the Colorado State Rams are facing a significant challenge. They kicked off their 2023 season with a 50-24 loss to Washington State, and due to a bye week in Week 2, they have a daunting 11-game stretch ahead of them. The Rams will be looking to turn their fortunes around against their rivals and prove that they are capable of competing against tough opponents.

Keys to the Game

Shedeur Sanders: A Rising Star

One player to watch closely in this matchup is Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Sanders has been in exceptional form, leading his team to a 2-0 start. He has already achieved the impressive feat of becoming the first Buffs quarterback since Koy Detmer to throw for at least 350 yards and three touchdowns in consecutive games. With the Rams’ defense struggling in their season opener against Washington State, Sanders has a good chance of maintaining his hot streak.

Colorado State’s Struggles against Ranked Teams

Colorado State will need to address their historical difficulties when facing ranked opponents, as they have not been able to secure a victory against a ranked team since 2002. Over the past 21 years, the Rams have gone winless in 24 matchups against top-25 opponents. However, their record improves when facing opponents ranked outside the top 10, where they have secured four wins out of seven such contests. To have a chance at an upset, the Rams will need to overcome their historical struggles and bring their best game.

A Valuable Tune-Up for Colorado

Colorado‘s challenging schedule leading up to this matchup makes the game against Colorado State a valuable opportunity to fine-tune their game before conference play. With upcoming games against No. 13 Oregon and No. 5 USC, the Buffaloes will benefit from a game in which they should be able to cruise to victory without too much exertion. It provides a chance for Coach Sanders’ squad to address any lingering issues and build confidence before facing tougher opposition.

Prediction: Colorado Looks to Continue Dominance

According to the SportsLine consensus, the Colorado Buffaloes are heavily favored to win this game, with a spread of -23.5 points. The Buffaloes have impressed thus far, with a ranked win against TCU and a dominant performance against Nebraska. Their strong start, coupled with the Rams’ struggles in their season opener, suggests that Colorado should cover the spread once again. Expect Shedeur Sanders and the Buffaloes’ offense to capitalize on the weaknesses of Colorado State’s secondary, leading to a comfortable victory for Colorado.

As always, upsets can occur in college football, and the Rams will be eager to defy the odds and secure a win against their rivals. However, based on current form and the historical dominance of the Buffaloes, it seems unlikely that Colorado State will come out on top in this matchup.