Rocky Mountain Showdown: CU-CSU Add Another Heated Chapter

Sunday!  Sunday!  Sunday!  A day that is usually reserved for the NFL will now place the spotlight on college football.

But this weekend is particularly special for everybody in the Rockies.  For one weekend, families are divided, friends are split down the middle, and couples find themselves hating each other for one day.

And it's all because of two schools that bring out a fire that is only compared to the rivalry of Denver and Oakland.

This Sunday, the Colorado State Rams will open their season against in-state rival Colorado.  The Buffaloes took a thriller last year on some inspired play by Cody Hawkins and clutch special teams work.  That started the downward spiral for the Rams, as Sonny Lubick's final season started and ended with a loss to the Buffs.

Now the Rams are starting a new era with Steve Fairchild taking over the reins, hoping that CSU can regain the dominance they once had.  The former Buffalo Bills OC practically jumped at the idea of running the program that he was a huge part of a decade ago.

This time around, however, it will be a little more complicated than usual.

Even with RB Kyle Bell returning, CSU has to contend with an extremely hungry Colorado program that is eyeing this game as their BCS Championship.  But by the same token, it is both of their shots at glory.  The 2007 season started with such promise for both the Rams and the Buffaloes, but it ended in complete disaster on both sides.

For CU, Dan Hawkins tried everything to get his team back to the dominance they once had when they were eyeing a national championship.  But this time, his son Cody has a year under his belt and knows what it takes to win...and lose.

Last year, it was all about defense in their battle at Invesco.  This year, it looks as if the offense just might come alive at the right time.

No matter the outcome, we all know that friends and family will hate each other for at least six days.

The good news is that the Rams will put up the same kind of fight they did last season.  The bad news: Deja vu will hit them like a 10-ton brick.  Colorado looks more dangerous than Colorado State.  Even with several marquee players returning for the Rams, the Buffaloes are aimed at a better record than last year's finish.

This is their BCS Championship.  This is their Super Bowl, their World Series—their moment in the spotlight.

For one Sunday, Colorado State and Colorado will take center stage in the House That Elway Built.  For one day, it's not about the Rox, the Avs, the Nuggets, or the Broncos.

It's about the Rams and the Buffs.  It's about college football.  It's about the Rocky Mountain Showdown.

That day is Sunday.

Final Score: Colorado 24, Colorado State 13