FORT COLLINS — Most of the freshmen set to play Sunday in the Colorado-Colorado State game at Invesco Field at Mile High were only 9 years old when Colorado State put a stamp on a renewed rivalry in a 41-14 hammering of the Buffaloes in 1999.
Now it will be some of those new players — particularly those from Colorado State — who may carry the burden of needing to win to positively affect how this rivalry is perceived in the future, or if it’s even played at all.
“It’s big for the state, it’s big for CU, it’s big for us,” first-year Colorado State coach Steve Fairchild said. “We should play in Denver every year. The whole state knows that, and hopefully that will happen.”
But it may not, and aside from the issues of six true home games and game-day revenue, wins could start to play a big role. Colorado State snatched three of four games from Colorado from 1999-2002, injecting energy into a lackluster rivalry.
Now, Colorado has won four of the last five. A win Sunday would give CU its best run against the Rams since winning eight in a row from 1987-98.
But Colorado State has kept it close. And that, say players on both sides, is all that matters in keeping the flames of this series burning bright.
“It’s year to year,” Colorado senior defensive tackle George Hypolite said. “As long as they keep having great players and we keep having great players, it’s always going to be a rivalry. People get fired up about this game. I think this rivalry is a lot bigger than wins and losses.”
Said Colorado State running back Kyle Bell: “Regardless of who wins, I think the rivalry is the same. Whether one team is winning it or it’s even, that shouldn’t determine what makes a rivalry game or if that’s grounds for if it should be renewed or not. I just think you have the last four or five years, games that are hard-fought, coming down to the wire between two good teams.”
None of the last five games in the series was decided by more than a touchdown. Four of the games were decided by four points or fewer, with field goals the margin of victory in 2004, 2005 and 2007.
“I think close games are plenty enough (to keep the rivalry strong),” CU safety Ryan Walters said. “The games we have won could have swung either way. A few plays here and there. Luckily, we were fortunate to come out on top. It’s always close, and anytime it’s close, you’re going to be biting your nails at the end of games, and that’s what makes a good rivalry.”
Invesco Field has provided a supercharged, pro backdrop for the CU-CSU game, though its continuation there in the near future is tenuous at best. Any talk of terminating the series doesn’t sit well with players, unless blowouts become the norm, CSU senior tight end Kory Sperry said.
“If it’s consistent year after year, us blowing them out or them blowing us out, then there’s no point,” he said. “But if you look at the last four games, it’s come down to one play. That’s a rivalry. ”
Chris Dempsey: 303-954-1279 or cdempsey@denverpost.com
In-state rivalries
CU vs. CSU is one of the few in-state rivalries played at a neutral site. Five famous in-state clashes, all on campus:
Miami vs. Florida State
Hurricanes 6-4 in past 10 Miami’s move to the ACC ensured yearly matchup.
Texas vs. Texas A&M
Longhorns 7-3 in past 10 But Aggies have won two in a row.
Michigan vs. Michigan State
Wolverines 8-2 in past 10 Michigan has taken the last six games.
Alabama vs. Auburn
Tigers 7-3 in past 10 Series moved solely to campus sites in 2000.
Stanford vs. California
Tied 5-5 in past 10 Cal coach Jeff Tedford is 5-1 against Stanford.
Chris Dempsey, The Denver Post
