DENVER -- A year ago, this corner theorized that the Colorado-Colorado State matchup was a game between two programs going in different directions.

Proof that even a blind pig occasionally finds the acorn.

Colorado used an overtime victory as the first step toward a 6-6 regular season that included wins over Oklahoma and Nebraska, a bowl berth and the promise of better things to come.

CSU, meanwhile, never recovered. The Rams finished 3-9, saw their legendary coach fired at season's end and are now staring at the bleak prospect of a lengthy rebuilding phase.

The second part of last year's hypothesis consisted of a prediction that the 2007 contest would be CSU's last good chance of getting a victory in the series anytime in the near future.

We'll hold to that prediction (granted, a prognostication that loses a little punch when you figure the series could very well stop after 2010 unless CSU officials come to their senses).

Still, the oddsmakers believe that today's game will end the stretch of series squeakers in the rivalry, one that has seen no more than seven points separate the two in their last six meetings.

Today, Dan Hawkins' Buffs are favored by 11 points. Given the fact that the Rams have a new coach, a new quarterback and a new system, it's by no means a generous spread.

The wild card here is the rivalry aspect. The Rams, who have always played this game with a chip on their shoulder, will bring an extra-large helping of animosity into today's contest. The ever-present feeling of being the "little brother" in this in-state rivalry was re-emphasized Friday when Colorado decided to play next year's game in Boulder.

CSU officials want the game in Denver. New Ram head coach Steve Fairchild wants the game in Denver. This could very well be their last chance to prove it belongs there.

If possible, this is more than "just" a head coaching debut for Fairchild. The former CSU quarterback and NFL offensive coordinator has the chance in front of him to put his immediate stamp on theprogram. The shadow of former coach Sonny Lubick still looms large in Fort Fun, and a win today would thrust Fairchild into the sunlight in a big hurry.

But the game is equally important for Colorado coach Dan Hawkins.

Hawk is entering his third year with a team whose vast majority of players are his recruits. This is the year Hawk needs to open with a strong statement, a statement that says CU football is headed in the right direction.

Hawk needs to show that his imprint is firmly stamped on this team.

Thus far the signs have been good. The Buffs went to a bowl game last year, gaining a little national notoriety with the win over Oklahoma along the way. Hawk then put together a top-20 recruiting class.

But a strong start is mandatory this year. After next week's game against Eastern Washington, a brutal schedule that includes three top-20 teams awaits.

Colorado needs to establish momentum early and keep it rolling.

For Colorado, today's game is about more than the CU-CSU series. It's about the big picture, about sending a message to the state's college football fans that CU is moving forward.

The Buffs don't need just a win today.

They need a decisive victory if they are indeed serious about sending that type of message.