Colorado State University Athletics
CSU-CU football named one of America's top rivalries
5/12/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
May 12, 2009
By Jeff Jacobson
Athletic Media Relations
FORT COLLINS, Colo. - The latest edition of Sporting News magazine has named the bitter Colorado-Colorado State football series as one of America's top 50 rivalries.
Most recently deemed the Qwest Rocky Mountain Showdown, the rivalry dates back 105 years, with the inaugural game taking place in 1893.
Sporting News enlisted the help of former CSU quarterback Bradlee Van Pelt to describe what makes this rivalry so special. He commented on how polls and school size mean nothing when the teams meet for the annual matchup.
"To heck with rankings," Van Pelt said. "You're at a smaller school with a smaller budget, so people have you pegged as inferior. You've got to puff out your chest and play."
Despite the Rams trailing in the all-time series, one of the most intense, back-and-forth chapters during the in-state rivalry has taken place in the past decade. The series has drawn national attention, especially when it took place at INVESCO Field at Mile High in Denver.
"Even if you don't win, make a statement," Van Pelt commented. "You may lose, but how you played the game, went about it, is how you earn respect when you walk off the field."
In 2008, the highlight of the game came on back-to-back kickoff returns. In the second quarter, Colorado's Josh Smith returned a kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown, just before the Rams' John Mosure returned a kickoff 90 yards for a CSU touchdown.
In 2007, Kory Sperry had the game of his life. He caught three TD passes from Caleb Hanie to help tie the game at 28 apiece after regulation. However, overtime proved heartbreaking for the Rams. Hanie's end-zone pass was intercepted by the Buffs, and CU hit the game-winning field goal as CSU fell 31-28.
The Rams' last win in the series came on Sept. 9, 2006. Hanie's near-perfect passing and Colorado State's stingy defense led the Rams to a 14-10 win over Colorado.
The new issue of Sporting News magazine, which hit newsstands late last week, celebrates the 50 best intrastate rivalries in sports. SN picked one per state. The issue is available at all Barnes & Noble, Borders and Hudson retail outlets.
