Pac-12 Basketball: What would a conference challenge look like?

Colorado Buffaloes vs Colorado State Rams

An actual rivalry game, these teams and the added stakes could take this series up another notch. The series has been competitive on both sides as of late, and this year should be no different.

Colorado State will be looking for new scorers after All-Conference stud Gian Clavell and big Emanuel Omongbo both graduated this spring. The Rams will need Junior Prentiss Nixon to step up in the offensive category for the team overall to keep up with opponents this year.

Losing Derrick White and Josh Fortune, the two best players on the team last year will also put a Colorado team in the rebuilding phase. Senior guard George King will have to play at an All-Conference level himself to keep the Buffalos in contention. His development will determine whether an at-large bid is obtainable this season.

The reason why this game is higher up on the rankings is because of the built-in hostility these teams have for one another. Rivalry games are always fun to watch, and the winner of this game will get those oh so important bragging rights. Colorado has the better talent up and down the roster, but you can never tell in a rivalry game.

Prediction: Colorado