Head coach Deion Sanders and the No. 17 Colorado Buffaloes, with a record of 7-2 and 5-1 in their conference, are poised to extend their winning streak to four games as they prepare to face the Utah Utes, who come in at 4-5 with a 1-5 conference record. The matchup is set for Saturday at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado, with kickoff at noon ET. The Buffaloes are riding high after a decisive 41-27 victory against Texas Tech, where quarterback Shedeur Sanders demonstrated his skills by throwing for 291 yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, Travis Hunter, a Heisman Trophy candidate, showcased his versatility and strength on both offense and defense.
On the other side, the Utes are looking to bounce back from a narrow 22-21 defeat by their rival BYU. The odds favor Colorado, who is set as a 13.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 43.5 points. Before placing any bets, it’s crucial to consider insights from experts, particularly NFL and college football analyst Jimmie Kaylor. With years of experience and a successful track record—boasting net earnings of over 71 units and an impressive 203-124-5 record in the current season—Kaylor provides valuable analysis and predictions for the game.
While Utah’s season began with aspirations of playoff contention, their recent struggles include a five-game losing streak. Compounding their difficulties are injuries to quarterbacks Cam Rising and Brandon Rose, both sidelined for the season, and uncertainty surrounding quarterback Isaac Wilson due to illness. Nevertheless, Utah’s defense remains a formidable force, ranking first in the Big 12 by allowing just 17.1 points and 307.4 total yards per game. Their defensive prowess, particularly against the pass, could pose challenges for Colorado’s primarily aerial attack.
Conversely, Colorado has made significant defensive strides under Coach Sanders, thanks in part to the hiring of Robert Livingston as defensive coordinator. The Buffaloes now allow an average of 22.6 points and 367.2 total yards per game. Additionally, the standout performances of quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who has amassed 2,882 passing yards and 24 touchdowns this season, and Travis Hunter’s contributions on both sides of the ball highlight the Buffaloes’ strengths.
As the game approaches, analysts like Kaylor emphasize key factors that could influence the outcome, with Kaylor favoring the over on the total points. For those interested in betting or simply following the game closely, Kaylor’s insights provide a valuable resource.
In summary, while Colorado enters the game as the favorite, Utah’s resilience on defense may keep the contest competitive, setting the stage for an exciting clash on Saturday. Whether or not the Utes can turn their fortunes around remains to be seen, but hope prevails as they face a formidable opponent.