Colorado State opened its season on Friday night with an authoritative 31-17 defeat of in-state rival Colorado before a national television audience and 63,363 fans at Denver's Sports Authority Field. The Rams came two yards short of doubling Colorado's rushing output (266 to 134) and scored the game's final 24 points in roaring back from a 17-7 deficit.
Following the thrilling 48-45 win over Washington State in the New Mexico Bowl with a season-opening win over Colorado (giving Colorado State a two-game winning streak against the Pac-12), it was the highest moment the Rams have risen under third-year head coach Jim McElwain. Heck, it even got them in the FootballScoop Top 25.
Accepting the Centennial Cup trophy from Denver mayor Michael Hancock, McElwain got a rough reminder of how far Colorado State seemingly has to go. Hancock called him "coach MacIntyre." Colorado's head coach is named Mike MacIntyre. Though it was unintentional on the mayor's part, McElwain was clearly bothered by the flub. McElwain tries to smile through his comments on Monday but he clearly means every word he says.
Thankfully, the parties have since made up. Here's betting Hancock doesn't make the same mistake twice if the Rams win again next year.
(via For the Win)