Renck: A trip to Las Vegas brought clarity and lost money. The Big 12 and Mountain West Conference held their media days last week. CU was welcomed in its return to the Big 12 like a favorite aunt who spoils nephews on their birthday. CSU made headlines as coach Jay Norvell called out Texas A&M and Ole Miss for tampering, accusing them of trying to poach star receiver Tory Horton. The fall is a lot more fun when these two programs are relevant, pushing for bowl eligibility. Coach Prime brings eyeballs to screens. Coach Norvell brings urgency, likely coaching for his job this season. So, Sean, I ask you, who wins more games between the two teams this season: the Buffs or Rams?

Keeler: The Buffs, by Ralphie’s nose. And a CU win at the Rocky Mountain Showdown in Fort Collins breaks the tie. Although my head says there’s a heck of a chance both teams wind up 6-6 and both need victories in their final home games in late November in order to land the plane. The Rams get saved by missing Boise State and UNLV. The Buffs get saved by the power of Prime. And Shedeur. But mostly Shedeur.

Renck: For argument’s sake, I predict seven wins for the Buffs, meaning the game between the two teams will determine which has the better season. Listening to Deion, Shedeur and Shilo Sanders discuss the improved offensive line, it is easy to believe the Buffs will be better, though frankly the group cannot be worse. But how much? Remember, lines must coalesce over time. And the reality is the Buffs need a rocket-launch start to reach seven victories. The path to 7-5 is winning the first five games. It is possible, save for the fact that Nebraska and CSU are on the road this season. It would not be a surprise if they split those games, leaving the Buffs scrambling for an upset to seal a bowl berth late in the season, likely at Kansas.

Keeler: Ain’t the W-L game fun? After Sept. 21, I’ve got CU at 3-1 (the Huskers, already mad, get even) and CSU at 2-2. I don’t think either program can afford a losing September. Yes, the Buffs draw the four best teams in the league in Utah, K-State, Oklahoma State and KU, but here’s the kicker: The first three of those are in Boulder, which will be sold out and bouncing. I say they win at least two, and ESPN and Fox roll into town again to fight over lawn space near Folsom.

Renck: Talking to sources in Las Vegas, there is reason to remain bullish about CU’s offense. Sanders, if his sacks shave from 52 to 30, will throw 35 touchdowns, rush for five and remain firmly in the Heisman mix for a few months. The Buffs skill positions are strong, led by receivers Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr. and running back Dallan Hayden. The issue? The defense remains suspect at multiple positions and lacks depth. CSU is similar. The offense is potent, and if quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi cuts down on turnovers, they will go to a bowl. But seven wins is a stretch because the Rams defense is suspect. In the end, the winner of the CU-CSU game will finish the season with the most wins.

Keeler: Sources I talked to after the Buffs’ spring game kinda hated what they saw of CU’s offensive line, so there ya go. And I’m going to remain skeptical of a Pat Shurmur offense and a first-time defensive coordinator pushing the buttons for Prime, although the roster upgrades are real. CU is the Big 12’s wild card. The Buffs could win five or they could win 10, so seven-ish feels about right. CSU’s ceiling is lower but the floor feels sturdier — as long as Tory Horton and BFN remain upright.

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