Colorado’s season reaches an early crossroads in Week 3 as the Rocky Mountain Showdown heads back up to Fort Collins for the first time since 1996. The Buffs can either get back up after last week’s demoralizing defeat in Lincoln, or they can let it drag them down against a CSU team that will certainly be fired up and ready to go.

The Rams will unquestionably be motivated for one of the biggest games on their schedule, especially after coming so close to pulling off a shocker in Boulder before losing to the Buffs in double overtime in 2023. The big question will be if Colorado, one week after playing an emotional rivalry game on the road, will be able to match the energy. Last year, it wasn’t.

The Rams made it a little easier for Colorado to get up for Saturday this week when comments about the Buffs surfaced from quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi and wide receiver Tory Horton that could easily be taken as some bulletin board material.

Let’s take a look at what Colorado State is going to try to do when the pads start popping on Saturday night.

Who: Colorado (1-1) at Colorado State (1-1)

Where: Canvas Stadium, Fort Collins, CO

When: Saturday, Sept. 14 at 5:30 p.m. MST

TV: CBS

Head Coach: Jay Norvell (42-43, 9-17 in 2+ seasons at Colorado State)

2023 record: 5-7 (3-5 Mountain West)

Total offense: 309.0 yards per game (109th in FBS)

Total defense: 421.5 yards allowed per game (115th)

Scoring offense: 19.0 points per game (T-108th)

Scoring defense: 34.5 points allowed per game (120th)