The former CSU quarterback, who famously spiked the ball off a CU player’s head in 2002, will be in attendance for the showdown between the Rams and the Buffs on Saturday.
Van Pelt: “I have a ticket, they say, if I make it”
Bradlee Van Pelt, the former Colorado State quarterback and CU Public Enemy No. 1, told The Denver Post that he has a ticket for the Rocky Mountain Showdown on Saturday night at Folsom Field. He said he might come incognito, as he is not sure if he is allowed at the stadium after his antics in 2005, when he showed up wearing a t-shirt with an obscenity, razzed Buffs fans and generally had a ball, even though the CSU lost, 31-28.
Van Pelt, who was a Bronco at the time, backing up Jake Plummer, said he regrets his behavior and attributes it to being in his 20s and not understanding that he was not coming across as a professional. He said he would do things differently if he could, but it is part of his past.
Van Pelt is best known for his performance in the 2002 showdown, when he scored the winning touchdown and spiked the ball off CU linebacker Drew Wahlroos’ head. The play, which turned 20 last fall, is still remembered by fans of both teams and has garnered thousands of views on YouTube.
Van Pelt praises Coach Prime and CSU Rams
Van Pelt, who is now a proud, doting dad with five kids, including a 4-month-old, back home in California, said he is excited to see his alma mater play under new coach Deion Sanders, who has brought a lot of attention and energy to the program. He said he has been following the Rams closely and has been impressed by their improvement and resilience.
He said he believes that the Rams can shock the world and upset the No. 18 Buffs, who are coming off a thrilling win over Nebraska last week. He said he has faith in CSU quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, who will make his first start on Saturday after replacing injured starter Todd Centeio.
He also said he respects CU coach Karl Dorrell and the Buffs’ program, but he hopes to see his Rammies pull off a victory and celebrate with their fans.
Rocky Mountain Showdown: A storied rivalry
The Rocky Mountain Showdown is one of the oldest and most intense rivalries in college football. The two teams have met 92 times since 1893, with CU leading the series 67-23-2. The last time they played was in 2019, when CU won 52-31 at Broncos Stadium at Mile High.
The showdown has been played at various venues over the years, including Folsom Field, Hughes Stadium, Invesco Field and Sports Authority Field. This year’s game will be the last one scheduled at Folsom Field until 2029.
The game attracts fans from both sides of the state and often divides families and friends. It also features some of the best players and coaches in college football history, such as Kordell Stewart, Gary Barnett, Sonny Lubick and Deion Sanders.
The game will kick off at 7 p.m. on Saturday and will be televised nationally by ESPN2. It will be a rare opportunity for fans to witness a classic rivalry that may not happen again for a long time.