November 16th 2024.
The Mountain West pageant was in full swing in Fort Collins, with the Rams taking the stage in a unique fashion - in ball gowns and combat boots. But on Friday night, they walked away with the beloved Bronze Boot, a prize that has been cherished by the winner of the CSU-Wyoming game since 1968. And for Jay Norvell, it was a perfect fit, like a pair of glass slippers.
It was a thrilling game that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end. With just 1:18 left in the fourth quarter, Jalen Dupree made an incredible 11-yard run on third-and-8, securing the win for CSU. The quarterback, Brayden Flower-Nicolosi, raised his arms in triumph as the team celebrated their first victory in the series since 2020.
The Rams' success this season can be attributed to their strong defense, solid offensive line, and some good old-fashioned grit. It may not always be pretty, but it's certainly effective. Running backs Justin Marshall and Avery Morrow combined for 188 rushing yards, while Flower-Nicolosi completed 14 of 17 passes for 197 yards.
Of course, it helped that the Cowboys were struggling, and might not have even scored 20 points if it weren't for a few lucky breaks. But for Norvell, a win is a win, especially in a rivalry game. And to do it in front of a sold-out crowd at Canvas Stadium, a venue that he hopes to keep filling, was even sweeter.
Norvell fully understood the significance of this game, as it was the last time the Border War would be played in Fort Collins until 2028. The series will take a break in 2026, which will be the first time since World War II. CSU and Wyoming have been conference rivals since 1968, but with the Rams joining the Pac-12 in a couple of years, that will come to an end.
As the game went on, it became clear that this was a rivalry fueled by both love and hate. Kass Sprague, a Wyoming fan, expressed her sadness about the upcoming break in the series, but also understood the Rams' decision to join the Pac-12. And with the announcement of an eight-year contract for the Battle of the Bronze Boot as a non-conference series, it seemed like the rivalry would continue for years to come.
But on Friday night, it was all about the present, and the Rams were dominating. The first half was a green and gold party, with CSU leading in all major categories. Even though the Cowboys managed to keep it close, it was clear that the Rams were the better team.
In the end, CSU secured the win, but it wasn't without a few bumps in the road. The game was not without its controversies, as there were a few questionable calls and injuries on both sides. But ultimately, the Rams came out on top, and Norvell couldn't be prouder.
As the fans filed out of Canvas Stadium, there was a sense of satisfaction in the air, mixed with a tinge of sadness about the upcoming break in the series. But for this night, the Rams and Cowboys had put on a show that won't soon be forgotten. And as for Norvell and his team, they will continue to chase their ultimate goal of a league title, one game at a time.
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