The dynamic of the CU vs CSU rivalry aka "Rocky Mountain Showdown" has changed somewhat in recent years. Before Colorado fell on such hard times I think CU tended to look past Colo St. somewhat as an inferior opponent, meanwhile CSU would treat this game as a chance to prove something against a BCS foe, almost a bowl game at the beginning of the season if you will. Now, looking at CU's schedule there's probably only 5 winnable games with this being one of them, so this game is now considered a priority. Meanwhile Colo St. proved last year that they could lose this game and still go on to have a successful season as they did last year with the bowl game win over Washington St.. Last year CSU had one of the most experienced OL (94 car st #6 FBS) and 4 of those starters are now gone including 1st team all MWC C Weston Richburg (2nd round pick of the NY Giants). Oddly enough their RB Kapri Bibbs who had almost 1800yds last year decided to enter the NFL draft and went un-drafted, he's now likely to end up on the Broncos practice squad. Perhaps he knew something about that OL as they gained 204 ypg (5.0)? For positives, Colo St. does return senior QB Garret Grayson who has reportedly looked very good in camp along with 5 of their top 6 receivers along with 7 returning starters on defense. Colorado returns 15 starters this year, although they lose their best (and only?) play maker in Paul Richardson, 2nd round pick to Seattle. Richardson provided most of their receiving offense, so w/o his services I'm not sure what they are gonna have. One point of concern is that this is a series that usually has gone to the dog, 11-4 ATS since 1998 but like I mentioned before, the fortunes of these two teams has changed quite a bit over those years. CSU does have a big game next week as well, having to travel to take on Boise on the blue turf in a revenge spot while Colo gets somewhat of a cupcake with Umass the following week.