The highly anticipated Rocky Mountain Showdown rivalry between the Colorado Buffaloes and the Colorado State Rams is set to take place in Fort Collins this Saturday. Fans can expect an intense showdown between these in-state rivals, as both teams are coming off different results in their recent games.
While Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes suffered a tough loss against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in Week 2, the Colorado State Rams bounced back from their Week 1 defeat with a commanding victory over the Northern Colorado Bears in their FCS matchup.
Despite Colorado being the 7.0-point favorite in the odds, there are a few key players from Colorado State who could pose a challenge for Deion Sanders’ team. Let’s take a closer look at three players who could make an impact in the upcoming game.
- Justin Marshall:
Colorado’s defense has shown some vulnerabilities, which could create opportunities for Colorado State running back Justin Marshall to exploit. Marshall leads his team with 173 rushing yards on 35 carries, averaging 4.9 yards per carry. If he can continue his strong performance in the last two games, he could cause problems for the Buffaloes’ defense. - Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi:
As the quarterback, Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi plays a crucial role in leading the Colorado State offense. Last year’s game between these two teams was high-scoring, and with the total points set at 58.5, Fowler-Nicolosi will need to be at his best to help his team secure a victory. In the previous game, he threw 17-of-26 pass attempts for 180 yards and one touchdown, while also adding a rushing score to his stats. - James Mitchell:
The Colorado Buffaloes have shown a weakness in their offensive line, which was evident in their Week 2 game against Nebraska. Defensive lineman James Mitchell, with his experience and skills, could capitalize on this weakness. Mitchell leads his team in tackles, with six solo tackles and three assists in the 2024 season. Last year, he recorded 20 total tackles, including 1.5 sacks and a fumble recovery, showcasing his impact on the defensive front.As the Rocky Mountain Showdown approaches, these three players from Colorado State could play a significant role in challenging the Colorado Buffaloes and potentially influencing the outcome of the game. Fans can expect an exciting and competitive matchup between these two in-state rivals.
