CHEYENNE, Wyo.—Either Colorado State or Wyoming will salvage something by finishing this season with a win in the Border War rivalry, although there’s precious little on the line for either team at this point.
Wyoming (2-9, 0-7 Mountain West Conference) would end a six-game losing streak by beating the Rams in Laramie. But win or lose, the Cowboys are going to finish last in the conference.
By beating Wyoming, the Rams (2-5, 3-8) would sign off 4-8 and show slight improvement over last year’s 3-9 finish. But Colorado State can’t undo seven severe losses this season—five by more than 20 points and two by more than 40.
Colorado State lost to BYU 49-10 at home last weekend.
“It’s very, very disappointing to send our seniors off with that type of effort in our last home game,” coach Steve Fairchild said. “However, we’re still fortunate enough to have one more opportunity to play and show what type of team we are.”
Wyoming coach Dave Christensen said the Border War game is the most important date on the Cowboys’ schedule this year.
Along with the presentation of the Bronze Boot trophy, the pomp and circumstance for this game includes ROTC cadets jogging the game ball 39 miles from Fort Collins, Colo., to Laramie.
Colorado State cadets will run the ball in Colorado, handing off to University of Wyoming cadets at the state line.
“It’s big to the people of the state of Wyoming. It’s big to everybody in our fan base, our alumni and the kids in our program,” Christensen said of the rivalry.
The second-year Wyoming coach doesn’t blame bad schemes or mental mistakes for where his team is at right now, just inexperience.
“We’re an extremely young football team with kids that have great work ethic, are great athletes, and they’re just young,” Christensen said.
“We don’t lose a bunch over the next two years,” he added. “And I think if we continue to recruit the way we’ve been recruiting, that we’re going to be fine.
Wyoming kept up with UNLV last weekend until the Rebels scored a touchdown for a 21-13 lead just before halftime. UNLV went on to win 42-16.
Colorado State came unglued early against BYU, trailing 35-0 at the half.
“The blame obviously falls on my shoulders. We emotionally were not ready to play, did not have that edge you need,” Fairchild said.
He said he’s looking forward to the Border War game.
Kickoff is scheduled for noon Saturday.
