Mountain West Football: 12 most important 2017 non-conference games

Colorado State is playing an ambitious out-of-conference schedule this year. They open the season at home against Oregon State, and they also face Alabama in Tuscaloosa on September 16. But the biggest game of the year outside of MWC play is always going to be the Rocky Mountain Showdown against state rival Colorado.

The Buffaloes have to replace some parts from last year’s Pac-12 South champion squad. They took down the Rams 44-7 last season, though, and will expect to do much the same against their Group of Five rival this year. But Colorado State has held their own against the Buffaloes in recent years, winning three of the past eight.

If Colorado State is really going to contend for a MWC title this year and challenge for a spot in a New Year’s Six bowl, they need to make their statement out of conference. Oregon State is not a big enough statement, and Alabama might be too far out of reach. Given the anticipated regression for the Buffaloes, this is the right time for the Rams to get back on top in the series.