Both coaches in the Colorado-Colorado State rivalry have squelched nearly all media access in fall camp as they prepare to face off in the 84th Rocky Mountain Showdown in Denver on Saturday.
New Rams coach Jim McElwain, the former Alabama offensive coordinator, has closed off his practices for all but the first 20 minutes -- and has shut off scrimmages altogether. In his second season in Boulder, Buffs head man Jon Embree has changed his policies as well. After using a similar philosophy last year to what McElwain is doing now, Embree is now keeping almost 100 percent of his team's practices and scrimmages closed.
Whether it's to keep the players focused or to stop game-plan information from reaching enemy eyes, both coaches seem to be employing whatever it takes in their efforts to rebuild their respective programs. Embree's first year finished at 3-10 for the Buffaloes, a season that followed similar struggles under Dan Hawkins. In Fort Collins, McElwain is tasked with improving a team that finished 3-9 in three straight seasons.
The game kicks at 2:00 p.m. MT and airs on FX.
For news and commentary on the Colorado Buffaloes, visit Ralphie Report. More on the Colorado State Rams can be found at Mountain West Connection.