The Rocky Mountain Showdown: Colorado vs. Kansas State, A Tale of Two Powerhouse Programs

The rivalry between the University of Colorado Buffaloes and Kansas State Wildcats is one of the most storied in college football. The two schools have met on the gridiron 115 times, with Colorado holding a narrow 58-52-5 advantage. The game is known as the "Rocky Mountain Showdown" and is played annually at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.

Historical Significance

The rivalry began in 1899, when Colorado and Kansas State were both members of the Western Interstate Football Association. The two teams played each other every year from 1911 to 2018, with the exception of the 1943 and 1944 seasons due to World War II.

In the early years of the rivalry, Colorado was the dominant team, winning 16 of the first 20 meetings. However, Kansas State began to turn the tide in the 1950s and 1960s, winning six of seven games from 1954 to 1960.

The rivalry reached its peak in the 1990s and early 2000s, when both teams were ranked among the nation's top 25. Colorado won the national championship in 1990, while Kansas State won the Big 12 Championship in 2003.

Recent History

In recent years, the rivalry has been more evenly contested. Colorado has won four of the last five meetings, including a 34-27 victory in 2022.

Game Day Atmosphere

The Rocky Mountain Showdown is one of the most popular sporting events in the state of Colorado. The game is typically played in front of a sell-out crowd of over 70,000 fans. The atmosphere is electric, with both sides of the stadium cheering on their team.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few common mistakes that fans of both teams should avoid on game day.

• Don't be disrespectful to the opposing team or fans. This is a rivalry game, but it's important to remember that we're all here to enjoy the game.
• Don't drink and drive. This is a serious issue that can ruin the game for everyone.
• Don't get too caught up in the moment. The Rocky Mountain Showdown is a great event, but it's important to remember that it's just a game.

Why It Matters

The Rocky Mountain Showdown is more than just a football game. It's a tradition that brings people together from all over the state of Colorado. The game is a chance to celebrate our rivalry and our shared love of the sport.

How It Benefits

The Rocky Mountain Showdown has a number of benefits for the state of Colorado.

• It brings people together. The game is a chance for people from all over the state to come together and celebrate our shared love of football.
• It boosts the economy. The game generates millions of dollars in revenue for the state of Colorado.
• It promotes tourism. The game attracts visitors from all over the country, who come to see the game and explore the state.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• The game is a great tradition that brings people together.
• The game boosts the economy.
• The game promotes tourism.

Cons:

• The game can be expensive to attend.
• The game can be difficult to get tickets to.
• The game can be a bit too intense for some fans.

Conclusion

The Rocky Mountain Showdown is a great tradition that has been a part of the state of Colorado for over a century. The game is a chance to celebrate our rivalry and our shared love of the sport. It is also a chance to come together as a community and enjoy a great day of football.

Appendix

Table 1: Game Results

Table 2: Attendance Figures

Table 3: Economic Impact