Denver, CO – The University of Colorado and Colorado State University met for the 90th time in the annual Rocky Mountain Showdown in Denver, Colorado at Mile High Stadium. With the second highest attendance since 2003, over 70,000 gathered in gold, green and white to watch the Buffs take on the Rams. The Buffs start their season with a win versus their rivals with an all-time record of 701 games won, 501 lost and 36 tied. The Buffs defeated the Rams 45-13.
“We know it’s disappointing but don’t give up on us, we’re going to go to work, it’s not going to be easy, it’ll be a long road and… we’re going to be a great football team,” Colorado State head coach Mike Bobo expressed at the postgame conference.
The Colorado Buffs now lead the series 66-22-2. CU joined the PAC-12 in 2011 and ended their 2017-2018 season with a 5-7 record under their head coach, Mike MacIntyre. With their first win of the season under their belt, the Buffs look forward to the coming season with anticipation. MacIntyre stressed, “[We will] keep playing hard, keep playing, keep pushing.”
The energy in Mile High Stadium was infectious and the Buffs caught the cold. QB Steven Montez ran for a 38-yard touchdown within the first two minutes and shortly after, Montez completed to WR-X K.D. Nixon for 46-yards for a TD.
“I got him with a little double move and was wide open. All I had to do was to be sure to catch it”, Nixon stated at halftime about his 46-yard TD reception.
CU’s offense refused to let up and Montez led the charge. Montez wrapped up the night with 338 passing yards, four touchdown completions and one interception.
The most impressive offensive play of the game for Colorado State was K Wyatt Bryan’s second field goal attempt after a late roughing the kicker penalty. The 51-yard field goal sent the teams into the locker room for half time with a score of 28-10. The kick followed Nixon’s fumble and CSU’s DE Arjay Jean recovered the ball.
While the Buffs suffered two turnovers, one interception thrown by Montez and a Nixon fumble, they remained relentless. Although McIntyre had some firm words, “the interceptions happen but fumbles don’t happen here…”, he stated. “Roughing the kicker, you know, that was a ten point swing. It could’ve made a big big difference and gave them a lot of energy going into halftime.”
Colorado State responded late in the 1st quarter as QB K.J. Carta-Samuels passed to WR Olabisi Johnson for a 26-yard TD. Colorado State eventually got on the board with seven, 14-7.
Colorado defense was a force to be reckoned with holding the Rams to one touchdown. ILB Nate Landman had some outstanding words to say about his teammate Montez, “Montez is a great guy, barely knew him last year, he’s been working hard, doing extra work, extra film… he played a hell of a game tonight.” Montez is projected to start versus University of Nebraska next week.
The Buffs face off at Nebraska on September 8th at 1:30 PM MST. The match off will be broadcasted on ABC and will be the first meeting between the Huskers since 2010.
