Rams, Buffs Moving In Opposite Directions

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4) - For all the talk of an in-state rivalry, the fortunes of Colorado's two marquee college football teams are trending in opposite directions.

Colorado State, at 8-1, hosts Hawaii this Saturday and looks to finally crack the AP Top 25.

"One of the things that none of us can do is control what others think or how we're perceived. Part of what we have to do every single week is come out and change the way people think. And we're kind of doing that. And the fact that we're on that edge is a very positive thing," Rams coach Jim McElwain said.

Colorado, meanwhile, is nursing a 2-7 record and visits Arizona, 6-2, on Saturday.

Coach Mike MacIntyre said that despite the Buffs' record, they're improving.

"When they punch through, they're going to have a foundation and a fortitude inside that other people wouldn't have," MacIntyre said.

CU players said they can see the progress over last season.

"Last year when we played Washington, we got our butts kicked. This year we held on. Last year, we played UCLA, we got our butts kicked. This year, overtime. We keep improving from last year. We're climbing up the hill. We just got to get over that hump," defensive end Jimmy Gilbert said.