Five Burning Questions: Rocky Mountain Showdown a wrap in Denver

This week marks the end of an era of sports as the CU Buffaloes and CSU Rams will play the final Rocky Mountain Showdown in Denver on Friday.

After this weekend, the two universities will have met 91 times, but the current iteration of the rivalry series has taken place at Mile High Stadium (both old and new) since 1998.

And while the annual matchup has fizzled in recent years, the Buffs and Rams have created quite a legacy.

To put it in perspective, Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan caught up with Kevin Lytle of The Fort Collins Coloradoan to get his perspective on the series as it wraps up in Denver, what’s expected this year and what does the rivalry look like in the future.

Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan digital producer Johnny Hart: As the Rocky Mountain Showdown concludes its run in Denver, what’s the legacy of the series’ current iteration?

The Fort Collins Coloradoan reporter Kevin Lytle: Overall, a success. While there have been down attendance numbers a few times recently, as a whole the marquee matchup in Denver has brought in a lot of fans. There have been many iconic moments as well as some dark ones (most notably the tear gas game). I think the time to leave Denver is definitely here, but it was a good run. 

Hart: In your opinion, what’s the most interesting/iconic/etc. moment in the recent history of matchups between the Buffs and Rams?

Lytle: For CSU fans, the Bradlee Van Pelt helmet spike to win the 2002 matchup will always be the top moment. More recently, the offensive pass interference nightmare of 2017 is the what-could-have-been moment. CU’s domination since 2015 is the story of recent Showdowns. 

Hart: The current contract between CSU and CU, wherein the two programs play annually, expires after next season. Both schools will play home-and-home series in the future, but what will be the impact of not playing each season?

Lytle: My hope is that it will make each game a more special event. The Showdown has seemed to stale the last few years. The allure of playing in the Broncos stadium isn’t as great, and, frankly, the games haven’t been good. And it’s a nightmare for fans of both schools to drive there. The on-campus flavor adds new excitement, and I hope the relative rarity in future matchups will make each one a can’t-miss event. 

Hart: Which school/fanbase revels in a Showdown win more and/or which takes a loss harder?

Lytle: Right now I think CSU fans would revel in a win more because they’re so starved for rivalry success. CU fans love mocking the Rams, but they also expect to win so it’s not a huge deal if they do. Because of that, CU fans would take a loss harder. 

Hart: What’s your prediction for this year’s Rocky Mountain Showdown?

Lytle: CU 34, CSU 24

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