While rivalry games should always be considered must-win, Colorado football is facing added pressure to beat Colorado State on Saturday after last week’s horrendous performance against fellow rival Nebraska.
Head coach Deion Sanders and the Buffs’ rocky start has them under intense scrutiny — most of it directed toward the offensive line and the nonexistent run game. If the offensive line plays well and Coach Prime commits to the run, Colorado likely isn’t falling to the Rams, but another poor performance in those areas would only lead to more criticism.
A loss in Fort Collins and the Buffs are sitting 1-2 entering Big 12 play. A win, however, puts Colorado at 2-1 with another manageable opponent coming up in Baylor.
So, for those reasons, Saturday’s Rocky Mountain Showdown is about as must-win as it gets for a Week 3 nonconference game.
Ralphie Report’s Ryland Scholes provided a similar perspective in a recent deep-dive on Colorado’s struggles. Here’s some of what Scholes wrote:
Everything hinges on this Colorado State game. As much as I hate to admit it, it’s probably the most important game this program has played in quite some time. Our concerns will be assured or they’ll be bubbling over in just five short days. Go and embarrass little brother to the north and all this talk is for nothing. If that doesn’t happen, the heat’s only going to intensify. We’re about to find out if this team has what it takes.
Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.