Jay Norvell explains bad blood, anticipation for Rocky Mountain Showdown vs. Colorado, Deion Sanders

The Colorado Buffaloes and Colorado State Rams are set to renew one of the most heated rivalries in the sport this weekend. There was already plenty of bad blood between the two teams, but after last year’s version, it certainly took things up a notch. Colorado State head coach Jay Norvell is excited for the Rams to get a home game in the rivalry in Fort Collins.

And on Wednesday, he went on The Jim Rome Show to share his thoughts heading into the highly anticipated affair.

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.@CoachJayNorvell on the significance of the Colorado/Colorado State rivalry and @CSUfootball hosting the matchup. pic.twitter.com/deCXco913A

— Jim Rome (@jimrome) September 11, 2024

CSU head coach Jay Norvell on the Rocky Mountain Showdown

Norvell knows that he and his team can’t just pretend it’s going to be just another game. Because it isn’t. “No, it’s not. And it’s never been here in this state. I don’t know how many people are familiar with this rivalry, but…” Norvell began.

Then Jim Rome interrupted him and asked the CSU head coach to explain the Colorado-Colorado State rivalry, also known as the Rocky Mountain Showdown.

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“We play for a trophy, the Centennial Cup. For many years, this game was played in Mile High Stadium (Denver, Colorado) or in Boulder (Colorado). And so, they never really allowed, you know, the little stepbrother to have the game at home,” Novell explained.

“And so, we have the game at home. It was supposed to be played in our new stadium a couple of years ago and because of Covid it was cancelled. So, there’s been a lot of anticipation to show off our new stadium. To show off our campus nationally. And this is a national game. It’s national TV. A lot of people saw us play last year. I mean, almost 10 million people watched the game last year. Double overtime game. It was a great game,” Norvell continued.

“And so, it’s just an awesome opportunity for our campus and our kids. And then, we’re not gonna play this game until 2029 again. So, the rivalry disappears for years. And so, it’s a very unique opportunity for our program. And there’s been a lot of bad blood over the years. For whatever reason. And this year will be no exception. But let’s not get it twisted. The game’s gonna get played on the field at 5:30 PM MST. And nothing I say or nothing anybody else says or social media is gonna change that. We’ll be waiting on them and we’ll be ready,” Norvell finished.

Colorado is dealing with multiple injuries coming into the game. The Buffaloes will be without safety Shilo Sanders, who suffered a right forearm injury against Nebraska. CU running back Dallan Hayden is expected to miss the Rocky Mountain Showdown, but the nature of his injury was not revealed. They have three other players whose status is up in the air for Saturday.

Earlier in the week, CSU head coach Jay Norvell was “hopeful” that his star wideout, Tory Horton, will be able to play on Saturday. He has been sore in dealing with a groin strain. His status will be an important one to monitor the closer we approach to kickoff.

Colorado and Colorado State are set to get underway on Saturday, September 14th. Kick time is set for 7:30 p.m. EST on CBS. The Buffaloes are currently listed as 7.5 favorites, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.