The rivalry between the Colorado State Rams and the Wyoming Cowboys has spanned three centuries, and is the oldest college football rivalry west of the Mississippi.
This weekend, brown and gold will face off against green and gold for the 113 time since 1899, and for the 54th battle over the Bronze Boot travelling trophy.
The Cowboys are looking to end a four-game losing streak at the War Memorial stadium this Saturday after losing to San Jose State on the road last weekend.
CSU is also coming off a loss to Boise State in the previous weekend, finishing 28-19, while the Cowboys lost to San Jose State 27-21.
Cowboys head coach Craig Bohl is optimistic, however, after the away loss against San Jose State.
“The crowd’s going to be electric, what a great rivalry,” Bohl said. “It’s time to get that boot back.”
Of the 113 games that have been played, 53 of those have been for the Bronze Boot trophy.
The Bronze Boot is the travelling trophy awarded to the winner of the Border War game each year by each school’s respective ROTC.
Wyoming leads in Bronze Boot wins 28-24.
Wyoming and CSU have met head-to-head for 75 consecutive seasons since the end of World War 2.
Over the past 75 consecutive meetings, dating back to the 1946 season, Wyoming leads 43-32-0.
Colorado State leads the overall series going back before 1946, 59-48-5.
Wyoming defense should have no lack of confidence going into this weekend as senior linebacker Chad Muma was nominated for two national awards.
One was the Butkus Award, where Muma was one of 16 semifinalists announced, and the only player from the Mountain West.
Muma was also one of 18 semifinalists announced for the Bednarik Award for the Outstanding Defensive Player in College Football.
Muma serves as the spearhead of the Cowboys defense and is currently ranked No. 4 in the nation in solo tackles with 6.5 per game, and No. 10 in the nation in total tackles with 9.8 per game.
Wyoming punter Ralph Fawaz was also named Mountain West Freshman of the Week for the second time this season on Monday, which only adds to the recognition given to the team.
Fawaz averaged 48.8 yards per punt on four punts at San Jose State last Saturday, adding up to a total of 1,574 yards so far this season, averaging 196.75 yards per game.
Rams head coach Steve Addazio is looking forward to his second Border War game, and first with a live crowd.
“We realize that we’re going up into a very hostile environment, and a very prepared and a very talented football team,” Addazio said. “A scary team to have to play, but a fun game to get to play in. It’s a rival game, this is what college football is all about.”
Wyoming currently has an overall record of 4-4 and a record of 0-4 in the Mountain West. Colorado State is 3-5 overall and 2-2 in the Mountain West.
Each team will be looking to get their respective seasons back on track as well as ensuring they go home with the Bronze Boot.
