The Rocky Mountain Rivalry: Colorado vs. Kansas State in NCAA Football

Introduction

The rivalry between the University of Colorado Buffaloes and the Kansas State University Wildcats is one of the most storied in college football, dating back to 1901. Both teams are located in the Big 12 Conference and have faced off 119 times, with Colorado holding a slight edge with a 56-53-5 record.

History of the Rivalry

The first game between Colorado and Kansas State was played on October 19, 1901, in Boulder, Colorado. Colorado won 17-6, and the rivalry quickly became a heated affair. The teams played annually from 1901 to 1926, with Colorado winning 14 of the first 19 meetings.

The rivalry took a hiatus from 1927 to 1982, when both teams joined the Big Eight Conference. They resumed their annual meetings in 1983, and the series has been competitive ever since.

Key Moments in the Rivalry

• 1990: Kansas State upset No. 1 Colorado 35-21 in Boulder, ending the Buffaloes' 18-game home winning streak.
• 1996: Colorado defeated Kansas State 35-24 in the Big 12 Championship Game, earning a spot in the Rose Bowl.
• 2003: Kansas State defeated Colorado 35-32 in overtime in Manhattan, snapping the Wildcats' 10-game losing streak in the series.
• 2019: Colorado upset No. 5 Kansas State 34-27 in Boulder, ending the Wildcats' nine-game winning streak in the series.

Statistics

• Overall record: Colorado leads 56-53-5
• Home record: Colorado leads 31-22-2 in Boulder; Kansas State leads 25-24 in Manhattan
• Neutral-site record: Colorado leads 5-2
• Scoring: Colorado has scored 2,094 points; Kansas State has scored 1,992 points
• Largest victory: Kansas State 69-33 in 2002
• Longest winning streak: Colorado 9 games (1991-2001)
• Current winning streak: Colorado 2 games (2019-2022)

Key Players

Some of the most notable players in the Colorado-Kansas State rivalry include:

• Colorado: Rashaan Salaam, Eric Bieniemy, Kordell Stewart, Sal Aunese
• Kansas State: Darren Sproles, Jordy Nelson, Terry Allen, Michael Bishop

Cultural Impact

The Colorado-Kansas State rivalry is more than just a football game. It is a cultural event that brings together fans from two different states. The game is often played in front of a sellout crowd, and the atmosphere is electric. The rivalry has also been featured in numerous movies and television shows.

Table 1: Head-to-Head Record by Decade

Table 2: All-Time Leading Rushers

| Rank | Player | School | Games | Rushing Yards |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Darren Sproles | Kansas State | 51 | 2,531 |
| 2 | Rashaan Salaam | Colorado | 36 | 2,055 |
| 3 | Eric Bieniemy | Colorado | 45 | 1,960 |
| 4 | Jordy Nelson | Kansas State | 49 | 1,675 |
| 5 | Terry Allen | Kansas State | 46 | 1,625 |

Table 3: All-Time Leading Passers

| Rank | Player | School | Games | Passing Yards |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kordell Stewart | Colorado | 36 | 7,211 |
| 2 | Michael Bishop | Kansas State | 50 | 6,831 |
| 3 | Sal Aunese | Colorado | 35 | 6,317 |
| 4 | Bill Snyder | Kansas State | 255 | 5,879 |
| 5 | Mark Mangino | Kansas State | 75 | 5,638 |

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When talking about the Colorado-Kansas State rivalry, it is important to avoid these common mistakes:

• Assuming that Colorado is always the favorite. Kansas State has won the last two meetings in the series, and they have a strong program under head coach Chris Klieman.
• Thinking that the game is going to be a blowout. The rivalry has produced some of the most memorable games in college football history, and it is always a close contest.
• Ignoring the history of the rivalry. The Colorado-Kansas State rivalry is one of the most storied in college football, and it is important to understand the history of the game before discussing it.

Step-by-Step Approach to Understanding the Rivalry

To fully understand the Colorado-Kansas State rivalry, follow these steps:

1. Read about the history of the rivalry. This will give you a better understanding of the origins of the rivalry and the key moments in its history.
2. Watch highlights of classic games. This will help you see the passion and intensity of the rivalry firsthand.
3. Attend a game in person. There is no better way to experience the rivalry than to see it in person.
4. Talk to fans of both teams. This will give you a different perspective on the rivalry and help you understand the different viewpoints of the fans.
5. Follow the rivalry on social media. This will keep you up-to-date on the latest news and events surrounding the rivalry.

Call to Action

If you are a fan of college football, then you need to experience the Colorado-Kansas State rivalry. It is one of the most passionate and intense rivalries in the sport, and it is sure to provide you with some unforgettable memories.