Friday night marked the end of a long-time tradition between the University of Colorado Buffaloes and their in-state rivals, the Colorado State Rams.
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The Buffs celebrate their 52-31 victory over the CSU Rams at Mile High Stadium. Aug. 31, 2019 (Nigel Amstock/CU Independent)
The Buffs came away with a 52-31 victory over Colorado State, making it the fifth consecutive showdown win for Colorado.
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CU Buffs Ralphie Runners lead Ralphie down the field before kickoff at Mile High Stadium. August 30, 2019 (Casey Paul / CU Independent)
The game saw the all-time record number of points between the two teams at 83 combined points.
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Students show their love for their football team by cheering them on during the third quarter of the Rocky Mountain Showdown. August 30, 2019 (Casey Paul / CU Independent)
But while the game marked the end of one chapter, it was the beginning of another for new Buffs head coach Mel Tucker.
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Trey Udoffia says a prayer prior to kickoff at the Rocky Mountain Showdown at Mile High Stadium. Aug. 31, 2019 (Nigel Amstock/CU Independent)
Tucker’s debut Colorado game had him focus on the last possession as CSU kept things close for the Buffs during the first half.
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Colorado State receiver Warren Jackson catches a TD pass during the second quarter of play at Mile High Stadium. Aug. 31, 2019 (Nigel Amstock/CU Independent)
Colorado looked to improve their defense and forced four turnovers, leading to several key possessions and scores.
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Buffs Going Bananas, a student-led club at CU, cheers on the Buffs during the Rocky Mountain Showdown at the Mile High Stadium. August 30, 2019 (Casey Paul / CU Independent)
A star of the night, sophomore tailback Alex Fontenot, secured three touchdowns for the Buffs and ultimately helped secure their win.
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Sophomore tailback Alex Fontenot runs down the field, swerving around his opponents, as he goes in for the touchdown. August 30, 2019 (Casey Paul / CU Independent)
As Colorado heads into 2019, Tucker will look to keep things competitive and maintain the momentum.
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CU Buffs Football superfan shows his pride during the Rocky Mountain Showdown at the Mile High Stadium. August 30, 2019 (Casey Paul / CU Independent)
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Sophomore tailback Alex Fontenot runs down the field, swerving around his opponents, as he goes in and scores a touchdown for the Colorado Buffaloes. August 30, 2019 (Casey Paul / CU Independent)
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Senior quarter back Steven Montez hands off the ball to sophomore tailback Alex Fontenot during the Rocky Mountain Showdown at Mile High Stadium. August 30, 2019 (Casey Paul / CU Independent)
Contact CU Independent Outreach Supervisor and Photo Editor Nigel Amstock at nigel.amstock@colorado.edu
Contact CU Independent Assistant Photo Editor Casey Paul at casey.paul@colorado.edu