With CU-CSU’s Rocky Mountain Showdown now in the rearview mirror, the other great local football matchup steps to the forefront Saturday. Call it “The Great Western Roundup” as Wyoming heads south to take on Air Force at Falcon Stadium.
Unfortunately, some inexplicable quirk will keep the game from being televised. But at least one involved party doesn’t care. Wyoming coach Joe Glenn, now in his third year of revamping the Cowboys squad into one that can consistently compete in the Mountain West Conference, had some choice words for local football fans Tuesday. Glenn told The Denver Post’s Irv Moss: “I don’t care if it’s on radio, television or walkie-talkie, people should go to games and not sit at home on their couches. They should come out and see for themselves.”
Glenn’s got a point. Air Force, coached by Fisher DeBerry, now in his 22nd season, jumped to a solid start and are a game up in conference after beating San Diego State 41-29 last week. Wyoming, at 1-1, sports the league’s best rush defense, allowing an average 92.5 yards in its two games this season. But Air Force has the best rushing attack in the MWC, gaining an average 245.0 yards this season.
And there’s history here. It will be the 44th meeting between the schools since the matchup began in 1957. Neither team has won more than three consecutive games; the teams have split wins in the last four meetings, with the home team winning each game. With CU and CSU idle, Cowboys-Falcons should get top billing.
WHAT WE’D LIKE TO SEE
1. Whichever television executive responsible for not airing the Wyoming-Air Force game Saturday realize what a big mistake it is, then be punished by having to repeatedly watch that annoying infomercial with the guy in the question-mark suit.
2. The introduction of “Department of Homeland Security: Powered by Diesel.” As in Miami Heat center Shaquille O’Neal, who, while in training to become a Miami Beach reserve officer, chased down a man suspected of assault Sunday.
WEAK IN REVIEW
1. What could be perceived as the Broncos’ last saving grace – their running game – was shut down by 36-year-old Junior Seau and the Miami Dolphins. Good thing the Donkeys didn’t open against Pittsburgh’s Steel Curtain.
2. Nearly 50 years after a simple 8.3-acre plot of land was denied the Brooklyn Dodgers – who wanted to build a new stadium there but moved to Los Angeles after being turned down – the New York Metropolitan Transit Authority decided to sell the plot to the New Jersey Nets for their new arena. In a related note, Pee Wee Reese rolled over in his grave.
THE COUCH
ON: The college football season rolls on with more stellar tube offerings in Week 3. Tops is No. 5 Tennessee’s trip to No. 6 Florida on Saturday. The Vols lead the all-time series 19-15, but the Gators are 15-11 since 1950. Florida’s offense has rolled in its first two games, easy wins over Louisiana Tech and Wyoming, while Tennessee struggled to beat UAB by a touchdown. If Sports Weekend were a betting column, we’d say “drop heavy action on the Gators.” Check out the game on KMGH-7 at 6 p.m.
ON: A more interesting TV listing might be Notre Dame-Michigan State, on KCNC-4 at 1:30 p.m. Can the Irish (2-0) keep their early-season magic going against undefeated Michigan State (2-0)? The Spartans trot over to South Bend, Ind., for Irish head coach Charlie Weis’ home opener. The Spartans have won their last four visits to Notre Dame Stadium, while the Golden Domers are coming off an impressive victory over Michigan.
OFF: What better way to accomplish a 25-mile bike ride than by doing it totally soused. We’re kidding of course, but check out the very scenic 12th annual Tour of the Vineyards in Grand Valley near Palisade on Saturday. The course takes riders along a paved tour of Colorado’s wine country and fruit orchards. The race starts between 7-8 a.m., because when your racing for vino, the key is to savor the trip. Then, following the ride, stumble over to the 14th annual Colorado Mountain Winefest “Festival in the Park” which begins at 10:30 a.m. at Riverbend Park, just outside Palisade. The festival features free wine samplings from the state’s wineries and jazz music and is a perfect way to cool down from the ride. Check out emgcolorado.com for more information.
AROUND TOWN
Still going through ice withdrawal, Avs fans? Fear not, hockey is back in town. Finally. It’s been too long since the last sight of Joe Sakic’s rapid-fire wrist shot, since Rob Blake’s bashing hip check, since a sweet crease deke from Milan Hejduk. But in the new-look NHL, every team will have introductions to make. Catch up with the Avs’ fresh faces tonight at the University of Denver’s Magness Arena for the Burgundy/White Game, an intrasquad preseason scrimmage. The game starts at 6:30 p.m. and ticket sales benefit youth charities. Call 303-830-8497 for details.
