Yes, Knapple, it's a created rivalry, and yes, if they slapped Iowas State as the last game of every season it would take on more meaning than deserved.
But it's still a rivalry. Not a legendary rivalry. Not the best rivalry. Clearly not your favorite rivalry. But a rivalry.
My definition of a rivalry is when the records get tossed out the window. No matter if each team's season has gone in different directions, it's never considered an easy game. And crazy sh#t can happen. Colorado certainly fits that bill over the last 20 years.
Not sure I can argue the point with someone who thinks this game means nothing. Guess I'm old fashioned but I like winning and think 9 - 3 sounds better than 8 - 4.
p.s. Coaches use rivalries for motivation. And if one coach doesn't think it's a "rivalry", the other coach will most certainly exploit that.