College football rivalries: Ranking the 10 best rivalry trophies

By Phil Poling | Aug 9, 2019

The Commander-in-Chief's Trophy sits on a table before President Trump's presentation to the U.S. Military Academy football team, the Army Black Knights, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Monday, May 6, 2019. (Photo by Cheriss May) (Photo by Cheriss May/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /

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DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 1: Wide receiver Shay Fields #1 of the Colorado Buffaloes and defensive back Ryan Moeller #25 hold the Centennial Cup trophy after a 17-3 win over the Colorado State Rams at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

5. Colorado vs. Colorado State – Centennial Cup

The first meeting between these in-state rivals took place in 1893, a 70-6 shellacking by Colorado. The Buffaloes have owned the all-time series, too, going 66-22-2 against the Rams – including wins in the last four games.

The rivalry’s been played at the Denver Broncos’ Mile High Stadium since 1998, save for a few games played in Boulder. This venue holds more than either team’s home field and presents a solid neutral-site for the big in-state rivalry.

Colorado became a state in 1876, 100 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence – or the centennial anniversary. That’s where the name for the rivalry trophy comes from.

The 2019 Rocky Mountain Showdown between Colorado and Colorado State- scheduled for Friday, Aug. 30 – will be aired on ESPN as part of the first full weekend of college football.