FORT COLLINS, Colo. — When Colorado State football (0-1) faces the University of Wyoming (1-0) on Thursday night, there will be a whole lot more on the line than just positioning in the standings.
The longest running rivalry west of the Mississippi River, CSU-Wyoming means everything to the local communities. Not only are bragging rights for the next year at stake, but it would not be hyperbole to say pride itself is on the line for the two fanbases. This is a game that just means more than the others. And after four hard years of losing, the Ram faithful are absolutely desperate to see the Bronze Boot return to its original home.
“The proximity of these teams is so close,” Steve Addazio said on Monday. “The rivalry has gone on so long, and the intensity of the rivalry — whether it’s in the community, from the donors and alumni, or the players, you can feel the intensity of the game.”
As no stranger to great rivalries, Addazio explained that he loves all of the emotion and intensity that comes with a game like the Border War. While working as an assistant in the SEC, Addazio experienced passionate feuds like Florida versus Florida State and the Florida-Georgia game on a yearly basis. Boston College presented rivals like Syracuse and Notre Dame as well.
“They were incredible rivalries,” Addazio said. “I think for different reasons those were all big rivalries… Just the pageantry of it all, it’s so cool, and so special. And our game here is as intense and as impassioned as any of those other games.”
Unfortunately, like many things in 2020, the atmosphere will be greatly impacted by not having fans in the stands — Addazio referenced this on multiple occasions Monday afternoon. Even if the game will be missing many of the aspects that normally make the Border War so electric, though, Addazio is still excited about experiencing the battle for the Bronze Boot for the first time.
“I’m excited about it. It’s obviously a great rivalry game,” Addazio said of his emotions heading into the matchup, before complimenting Craig Bohl, his staff, and the entire Cowboys team.
“Their program is really great,” Addazio said. “They’re a big, physical team and they’re well-coached, so it’s going to be a heckuva challenging game, an exciting game — and I just think the rivalry is what college football is all about.”
