Colorado Buffaloes vs. Colorado State Rams Pick & Prediction SEPTEMBER 14th 2024

Preview and Prediction

The longstanding rivalry between Colorado and Colorado State will be reignited on Saturday in Fort Collins, following an exciting finish in last year's matchup.

The Centennial Cup, a trophy that dates back to 1893, was retained by Colorado after their 43-35 double-overtime victory over Colorado State. This year's game will be the first time the two teams have faced off on the Rams' campus since 1996.

With a record of 1-1, Colorado holds a dominant 68-22-2 advantage over Colorado State. However, they will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 28-10 loss to Nebraska last Saturday. The Buffaloes struggled in the first half, falling behind 28-0 and even allowing a pick-six. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders was sacked four times.

On the other hand, Colorado State (1-1) is coming off a 38-17 victory over FCS opponent Northern Colorado. Quarterback Braden Fowler-Nicolosi had a solid performance with 180 passing yards and a touchdown, while running back Keegan Holles led the team with 89 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Head coach Deion Sanders of Colorado emphasized the need for better protection for his son, Shedeur Sanders, and a stronger rushing game. Running back Dallan Hayden had a decent game with 32 yards on just five carries, but the team as a whole needs to improve in this area.

"Establishing a strong running game requires a certain attitude," Sanders stated. "You have to dominate your opponent on every play. While we have committed to it on certain plays, we need to do a better job overall."

Despite facing constant pressure from Nebraska's defense, Shedeur Sanders still managed to throw for 244 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Colorado State coach Jay Norvell recognizes the threat that Colorado's offense poses, particularly with their explosive quarterback and talented wide receivers.

"Their offense and quarterback are the key to their success," Norvell acknowledged. "They have a lot of speed at wide receiver with players like Travis Hunter, Jimmy Horn Jr., and LaJohntay Wester. They primarily attack through the air, and everything runs through their quarterback. When they make big plays, they are difficult to stop."

According to Pro Football Focus, wide receiver and defensive back Travis Hunter played in 128 of 136 plays against Nebraska. He currently leads Colorado with 17 catches, 242 yards, and three touchdowns. However, in last week's game, Nebraska was able to limit him to just 7 yards on four targets.

"The team that is better prepared and makes fewer mistakes will come out on top," Norvell stated. "There will be a lot of energy in this game, and we need to do a better job of channeling it and using it to our advantage."

PREDICTION

Colorado Buffaloes

Colorado State Rams

Colorado Buffaloes vs. Colorado State Rams Recap SEP 14TH 2024

Shedeur Sanders was 36-for-49 passing for 310 yards and four touchdowns as Colorado beat Colorado State 28-9 in the Rocky Mountain Showdown to retain the Centennial Cup on Saturday night in Fort Collins, Colo.

Two-way star Travis Hunter had 13 receptions for 100 yards, two touchdowns and an interception on defense. LaJohntay Wester added 80 receiving yards and two touchdowns for the Buffaloes (2-1), who beat their longtime rivals for the seventh consecutive time.

Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi completed 22-of-39 passes for 209 yards and two interceptions for CSU (1-2).

Staked to a 14-3 first half lead, the Colorado defense forced turnovers on the Rams' first three second-half possessions.

After Colorado State's defense forced a Colorado punt to start the third, Fowler-Nicolosi was flushed from the pocket, threw across the field and was intercepted by Preston Hodge. With a short field, the Buffaloes needed just two plays to take a 21-3 lead on Hunter's 2-yard touchdown catch.

The following 16-play CSU drive was thwarted on first and goal from the 4-yard line as LaVonta Bentley forced and recovered a fumble before the ball hit the ground. The teams traded turnovers as the Rams' Chase Wilson recovered an Isaiah Augustave fumble.

Hunter intercepted a fourth-down pass by Nicolosi and five plays later, capped a five play, 55-yard drive with a 21-yard touchdown catch and a 28-3 lead for Colorado.

A 5-yard touchdown run by the Rams' Justin Marshall in the fourth made the score 28-9. B.J. Green recovered a fumble late in the fourth -- the Rams' fourth turnover.

Colorado State took a 3-0 lead when Jordan Noyes capped an eight-play, 48-yard drive with a 25-yard field goal. It was the Rams' only first-half points, as their other five drives resulted in four punts and a missed field goal.

A roughing-the-passer penalty aided the Buffaloes' 12-play, 85-yard second-quarter drive that culminated in a 4-yard touchdown pass from Sanders to Wester and a 7-3 lead for Colorado.

Another mid-drive CSU penalty, a 15-yard facemask, gave Colorado extra yardage and set up Sanders' 34-yard touchdown pass to Wester for a 14-3 Buffaloes lead.

Colorado had 109 yards rushing after only notching 16 last week in a loss at Nebraska.