How to watch Rocky Mountain Showdown, and more

Colorado (1-1) vs. Colorado State (1-1)

When/where: 5:30 p.m. Saturday/Canvas Stadium

Television/Radio: CBS/850 AM, Rams Radio Network

BetMGM Line: Colorado -7.5, 58.5 above/below

Weather report:90 degrees and clear skies at kickoff

Series History: 68-22-2 in favor of CU; six-game winning streak for Buffs

Three scenarios for CU

Another game for revenge:After the Huskers’ rout in Lincoln, will the Buffs be ready to face another rival looking to avenge last year’s loss? CU looked disoriented and flat in losing 28-0 in the first half to Nebraska, which played with the fire the Buffs lacked. CSU will come back with the same intensity, so the Buffs better be ready. And they better be ready from the opening whistle — something that was also a problem for CU in the first half against North Dakota State, when they trailed 20-17.

The Leaking O Line: CU allowed just one sack in the win over NDSU, but the offensive line returned to its 2023 norm against Nebraska. The Huskers sacked the Buffs’ quarterbacks six times for -41 yards. The Buffs’ ability to protect Shedeur Sanders in FoCo will be a determining factor not only in this game, but for the rest of the season. The new offensive line featuring two transfers (guards Justin Mayers and Kahlil Benson) and a blue-chip recruit (left tackle Jordan Seaton) needs to make a statement against CSU.

CU Star Power: CU has two playmakers who can take over the game completely, or swing it in the Buffs’ favor at any moment. Even in the loss at Nebraska, two-way star Travis Hunter still had 10 receptions for 110 yards. Shedeur Sanders threw a horrible interception on a jump route that helped shift the momentum early. But if Sanders and Hunter are on their game, along with speedy receiver Jimmy Horn Jr., the Buffs have enough firepower to dominate in big moments.

Injuries to report: Running back Dallan Hayden (out, undisclosed injury), safety Shilo Sanders (out, forearm), defensive lineman Chidozie Nwankwo (questionable, shoulder).

Three scenarios for the CSU

Tory Horton’s groin: After the Rams’ star receiver suffered a groin injury in last weekend’s win over Northern Colorado, leading to his departure in the third quarter, head coach Jay Norvell said he thought Horton would be available against the Buffs. Horton had 16 receptions for 133 yards in last year’s rivalry game and was a big reason the Rams were in position to beat CU until they collapsed in the final moments. Whether Horton can be that same dynamic force this year is a huge X-factor for the home team.

Atmosphere at Canvas: The rivalry doesn’t resume until 2029, so Fort Collins will have the last draw for the game for half a decade. It’s been a long time coming: The game hasn’t been played in the Choice City since 1996, a 48-34 Buffs victory. The Rocky Mountain Showdown was supposed to return to CSU in 2020 but was canceled by the pandemic. This marks the Showdown’s debut at Canvas Stadium. The FoCo faithful are expected to fill the stadium and provide as much rock and roll an atmosphere as Folsom Field did last season.

The finishing factor: Last year, CSU was 90 seconds away from winning in Boulder. The Rams had the Buffs on the ropes, but they let CU drive 98 yards and score the game-tying TD plus a two-point conversion with 36 seconds left to force overtime. Like many of the Rams’ close losses last season (see also: the UNLV and Hawaii games), CSU couldn’t finish, especially on defense. CSU will need a key fourth-quarter stop or two for Norvell to get his first win at CSU in a rivalry game.

Injuries to report: Horton (probable, groin), defensive lineman Nuer Gatkuoth (questionable, turf toe).

Predictions

Kyle Newman, sports journalist: CSU 31, CU 28

It’s a turning point for both teams. The Rams get their first win over the Buffs since 2014 and their first decisive victory of the Norvell era. CSU’s defensive line applies key pressure and Henry Blackburn’s late interception seals the game for the Rams, who also get a decisive performance from QB Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi. The win propels CSU to a breakout season and its first game since 2017. The Buffs, meanwhile, are doing the opposite: After being beaten by a rival two weeks in a row because CU can’t protect the QB and its defense can’t hold up, the reality of the Buffs’ tough Big 12 schedule hits hard and Season 2 under Coach Prime flies away.

Sean Keeler, sports columnist: CU 33, CSU 21

What’s the golden rule of the Rocky Mountain Showdown? When the bookies say it’s going to be a blowout, it’s going to be a close game. When all signs point to a close game, it’s a rout. The Buffs have flaws, you say? So do the Rams, whether they have a red-hot Canvas Stadium or not. FoCo will be electric, but electricity alone can’t make up for a battered Tory Horton. CSU has to play near-perfect to overtake its bigger, faster, more talented big brother on the road. As long as Shedeur Sanders is healthy, CU has a lot more room to run. And more than enough speed to take this game out late. Again.