Utah (4-5, 1-5, Big 12) will face off against No. 18 Colorado (7-2, 5-1, No. 17 CFP) on Saturday at 12 p.m. EST, broadcasted on Fox.
BetMGM has set the odds favoring Colorado by 11.5 points.
In their historical matchup, Utah holds a slight edge with a record of 35 wins, 32 losses, and 3 ties against Colorado.
What are the stakes for this game?
A victory for the 18th-ranked Buffaloes would put them in a strong position to contend for a Big 12 championship and a chance at the College Football Playoff, should they continue winning. However, their rivals from Utah have generally had the upper hand lately, winning 11 of the last 12 encounters, with the Utes managing to defeat Colorado three straight times at Folsom Field. This season, Utah is facing challenges as they cope with injuries, following a heart-wrenching and contentious 22-21 loss to No. 7 BYU.
Key Matchup to Watch:
The battle between Utah’s offensive line and Colorado’s defensive front, highlighted by player B.J. Green, will be crucial. Colorado leads the Big 12 with an impressive 29 sacks this season, with a roster featuring nine players who have recorded two or more sacks — a first for the program since 1983. B.J. Green tops the team with five sacks. Utah’s offensive line boasts a wealth of experience, with a total of 297 games played among its members. Notably, junior center Jaren Kump has played every position along the offensive line during his time at Utah, making him one of only two players in the FBS to achieve such versatility.
Key Players to Monitor:
For Utah, keep an eye on defensive back Smith Snowden, who has made six pass breakups and secured an interception in the course of the season. His role will be pivotal as Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders is known for distributing the ball across the field effectively.
On the Colorado side, defensive lineman Arden Walker recently showcased his skills with a two-sack game in a 41-27 victory over Texas Tech. Walker carries a legacy, being the son of Arthur Walker, a distinguished defensive lineman who played for Colorado in the 1980s.
Interesting Facts:
Utah has consistently maintained a winning record for the past decade. Under the leadership of coach Kyle Whittingham, the Utes have achieved a winning season in 17 out of 19 years. Defensively, Utah’s opponents are successful on third down only 23.8% of the time — the best mark in the FBS. Additionally, Utah leads the Big 12 in time of possession, averaging 33:07 per game. Of their 23 offensive touchdowns, 14 have come from drives that exceeded 60 yards. On the other hand, Colorado has dominated the third quarter, outscoring opponents 76-24. Both quarterback Sanders and two-way player Travis Hunter have been recognized as semifinalists for the Maxwell and Walter Camp Awards. Remarkably, Hunter played a record 161 scrimmage snaps in the match against Texas Tech. Over the past two seasons, Colorado has appeared prominently in college football coverage, ranking third in total appearances on “College GameDay” and “Big Noon Kickoff,” following Michigan and Ohio State.