Colorado vs. Colorado State: Live Stream, Viewing Options, TV Channel, Prediction, Picks, Spread, and Game Odds

This will be the last Rocky Mountain Showdown for the next five years, so the winner will have bragging rights

Deion Sanders and his Colorado Buffaloes will face off against in-state rival Colorado State on Saturday night in the Rocky Mountain Showdown. This matchup marks only the second meeting between the Buffaloes and Rams since 2019.

The previous encounter was a memorable one. The teams combined for 917 total yards and 78 points, with Colorado State pushing the then-No. 18 Colorado into two overtimes before the Buffaloes secured a 43-35 victory. Colorado State quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi had a standout performance, throwing for 367 yards and three touchdowns, while Shedeur Sanders continued his impressive season with 348 yards and four touchdowns.

Fowler-Nicolosi and Sanders are both back for 2024's installment, though the situation is slightly different. Colorado isn't entering as a ranked, heavily favored, ascending (at least perceived) powerhouse. The Buffaloes already have their backs against the wall following a 28-10 Week 2 loss to Nebraska, though a win against the Rams can make a lot right. 

Colorado State, meanwhile, bounced back from a Week 1 drubbing at the hands of Texas with a 38-17 win against Northern Colorado in Week 2. Beating Colorado might just give the Rams the momentum they need as they search for their first bowl appearance since 2017. CSU would also love to break its six-game losing streak to the Buffaloes. 

**Horton vs. Hunter: A Must-Watch Matchup**: The clash between Colorado State wide receiver Tory Horton and Colorado cornerback Travis Hunter promises to be one of the most exciting battles of the season. Horton, who did have some injury issues against Northern Colorado, was impressive last year with 16 receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown against the Buffaloes. Meanwhile, Hunter has established himself as a top defender, consistently neutralizing the opponent's best offensive player. This is a matchup that could easily be seen on NFL Sundays, so it’s definitely worth watching.

**Colorado's Offensive Line Opportunity**: Colorado State has faced challenges in generating a pass rush following the departure of Mohamed Kamara, who had two sacks against Colorado last year and is now in the NFL. The Rams have managed just one sack in their first two games, achieved during their opener against Texas. Meanwhile, Colorado's offensive line has struggled throughout Deion Sanders' tenure, allowing Nebraska to sack quarterback Shedeur Sanders six times. This game presents a crucial opportunity for the Buffaloes' line to improve and assert themselves.

**Rocky Mountain Showdown Hiatus**: Saturday's game will be a significant one, as the victor will hold bragging rights until the next matchup in five years. Although the teams used to face each other annually, the pandemic and conference realignment led to changes in scheduling. After this year’s game, there will be a break until 2029-30 before another home-and-home series resumes, with Colorado State hosting first. This on-again, off-again pattern will continue through 2038, with six more games planned in that period.

**Colorado vs. Colorado State Prediction and Picks**

Colorado has struggled on the road under Sanders, with a 2-5 record away from Folsom Field. We've already seen some issues this season, including nine penalties for 104 yards against Nebraska, which disrupted their rhythm. The Buffaloes' first five offensive drives ended in three punts, a turnover on downs, and a pick-six. It will be crucial to watch how Sanders' team handles adversity, as the 2023 season demonstrated how quickly things can go awry when losses accumulate. While it's hard to predict a win for Colorado State, the Rams are likely to keep the game competitive.