FORT COLLINS — Just another week is what they all say.
To a football coach who wants a regimented routine, it is. Monday’s practice is no different. Same for Tuesday. Wednesday, even. And so on.
They also know that for the players, an in-state rivalry game brings about something more. And even in his first year, Colorado State coach Mike Bobo recognizes the week — and the Rocky Mountain Showdown against Colorado in Denver on Saturday — is different, with an expected crowd of more than 62,000.
A big crowd for the rivalry game is welcomed, especially by the in-state players, most of whom know somebody on the other side of the field. To them, this game is important and they hope it brings out their best. As a true freshman, Colorado State wideout Joe Hansley hit the Buffs for a touchdown reception, then came back the next year and returned a punt 74 yards for a TD.
“I was fortunate enough to make some plays in this game. I think it brings out the best in every player on the team,” Hansley said. “Everyone wants to go out and do their best against the other school in the state. Really, it’s just like any other week, to be honest. We’ve just got to go out and prepare like it is.”
Bobo has liked the preparation of his team each game week this season, yet both teams come into Saturday at 1-1. What has plagued the Rams in both games is mistakes, some of them resulting in turnovers — nine in all, more than any other team in the country.
Facing a rival or not, fixing those mistakes is vital.
“You’ve got to look at yourself and make sure your area of responsibility, that you’re prepared as a coach and you prepare your segment very well,” Bobo said. “There’s going to be mistakes in games, and guys are going to make mistakes. You want to try to limit them by the preparation. Then when you do make a mistake, you’ve got to fight like you know what to try to overcome them.
“We just made too many mistakes, and if there was one area, it was the turnovers. There were too many.”
The Rams eagerly await the return of injured All-America receiver Rashard Higgins, who missed the Minnesota game last week.
As for coaching his first game in the CSU-CU series, Bobo knows one fact.
“I know the new coach has won the last three, so I hope that tradition continues,” he said.
Three key 2015 Rocky Mountain Showdown story lines:
1) Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers.
A big issue for Colorado State so far. In two games, the Rams have lost six fumbles and thrown three interceptions. The nine giveaways rank last (127th) among FBS schools. Colorado has committed three turnovers (tied for 63rd), with two lost fumbles and one interception. Defensively, both CSU and CU have forced four turnovers so far this season, which is tied for 31st-best among FBS schools after two games.
2) Whose running game will be more successful?
The Buffs rolled for 390 yards on the ground against UMass last week and rank ninth in the nation in average yards per game. But is the running game that good, or was the Minutemen’s demoralized defense that bad? Michael Adkins II ranks 38th in FBS with 209 yards rushing. CSU enters at No. 62, averaging 194.5 yards per game. But that includes 172 yards last week against a stout Minnesota defense.
3) Which great wide receiver comes out on top?
If CSU’s consensus All-American, Rashard Higgins, right, plays (he sat out the Minnesota game last week because of an ankle injury), he and CU senior Nelson Spruce will give this game star power at wideout. Can the Rams slow Spruce? Can the Buffs stop Higgins? Either player is capable of taking over the game.
John Meyer: jmeyer@denverpost.com or twitter.com/johnmeyer
Rocky Mountain Showdown History
Rams vs. Buffs 5 p.m. Saturday, Sports Authority Field; TV: CBSSN
Colorado State and Colorado meet in football for the 87th time Saturday, with CU leading the series 62-22-2. This is the 15th time they will meet in Denver, where the Buffaloes hold an 8-6 advantage. Mike MacIntyre is 1-1 against CSU as CU’s head coach and 3-1 against the Rams overall; CSU’s Mike Bobo hasn’t faced CU as a head coach. A look at the teams’ last five meetings:
2014: CSU 31, CU 17
Key to CSU’s win: Dee Hart ran for 139 yards and two touchdowns and Treyous Jarrells contributed 121 yards and one TD.
| CSU | CU | |
| Total yards | 400 | 375 |
| Rushing | 266 | 134 |
| Passing | 134 | 241 |
| Final record | 10-3 | 2-10 |
2013: CU 41, CSU 27
Key to CU’s win: Connor Wood passed for 400 yards and three touchdowns.
| CSU | CU | |
| Total yards | 295 | 513 |
| Rushing | 94 | 113 |
| Passing | 201 | 400 |
| Final record | 8-6 | 4-8 |
2012: CSU 22, CU 17
Key to CSU’s win: Jared Roberts kicked three field goals, including 48- and 32-yarders in the fourth quarter to rally the Rams from a 17-16 deficit.
| CSU | CU | |
| Total yards | 298 | 245 |
| Rushing | 125 | 58 |
| Passing | 173 | 187 |
| Final record | 4-8 | 1-11 |
2011: CU 28, CSU 14
Key to CU’s win: Tyler Hansen passed for 215 yards and two TDs to lead the Buffs.
| CSU | CU | |
| Total yards | 243 | 360 |
| Rushing | 67 | 145 |
| Passing | 176 | 215 |
| Final record | 3-9 | 3-10 |
2010: CU 24, CSU 3
Key to CU’s win: The Buffs’ defense intercepted three Pete Thomas passes.
| CSU | CU | |
| Total yards | 245 | 307 |
| Rushing | 49 | 115 |
| Passing | 186 | 192 |
| Final record | 3-9 | 5-7 |
