Ralphie Handlers make their way across Sports Authority Field at Mile High with Ralphie to kick off the Buffs’ game against the CSU Rams. (James Bradbury/CU Independent)

Coach Mike MacIntyre leads the Colorado team onto the field at Mile High Stadium in Denver. (Nate Bruzdzinski/CU Independent)

Junior Tony Jones runs the ball as his teammate, senior tight end Scott Fernandez, holds off CSU defender Shaq Bell. (James Bradbury/CU Independent)

The CU Express Dance team performs with the band during the halftime show of the Rocky Mountain Showdown against CSU. The Buffs took the half 20-10. (James Bradbury/CU Independent)

Junior Darragh O’Neill holds the ball as junior Will Oliver takes a field goal during the first quarter. (James Bradbury/CU Independent)

CU fans cheer as kicker Will Oliver scores a field goad at the end of the first half. The Buffs led the Rams 20-10. (Nate Bruzdzinski/CU Independent)

Junior Connor Wood looks down the field for a pass. The Buffs led the Rams 20-10 at the end of the first half.

CSU defender Bernard Blake stops a pass to junior wide reciever Paul Richardson. (Nate Bruzdzinski/CU Independent)

WRs Keenan Canty and D.D. Goodson celebrate after Goodson scored the Buffs’ second touchdown of the game with six minutes left in the first half. CU led CSU 17 to 3. (Nate Bruzdzinski/CU Independent)

The CU Band performs during halftime. (James Bradbury/CU Independent)

Junior Juda Parker and sophomore Justin Solis listen to the assistant coach Kent Baer on the sidelines. (James Bradbury/CU Independent)

Wide reciever Paul Richardson dodges CSU defender Aaron Davis. (James Bradbury/CU Independent)

Coach Mike MacIntyre celebrates as the officials signal a turnover on downs, giving the Buffs possession late in the fourth quarter of their 41-27 victory over Colorado State. (James Bradbury/CU Independent)

Junior Paul Richardson holds up the trophy awarded to the winner of the Rocky Mountain Showdown. The Buffs defeated the Rams 41-27. (James Bradbury/CU Independent)