Head coach Deion Sanders and the No. 17 Colorado Buffaloes, sporting a record of 7-2 overall and 5-1 in the Pac-12, are set to deepen their winning streak to four games as they face the struggling Utah Utes (4-5, 1-5) this Saturday at Folsom Field. Colorado is coming off a convincing 41-27 victory against Texas Tech, where quarterback Shedeur Sanders excelled with 291 passing yards and three touchdowns. Heisman contender Travis Hunter also showcased his prowess on both offense and defense during the game. Meanwhile, the Utes are reeling from a tough 22-21 defeat to their in-state rival BYU.
Kickoff for this exciting matchup is scheduled for noon ET. The Buffaloes are favored by 13.5 points according to the latest odds, with the over/under set at 43.5 points. Before placing bets, fans and bettors alike can refer to expert predictions from SportsLine’s Jimmie Kaylor, a veteran analyst in NFL and college football.
With an impressive track record over the last two seasons, Kaylor has notably outperformed the sportsbooks, accumulating a remarkable 71.04 units in net profits and boasting a record of 203-124-5 since September. His insights into the college football scene make him a vital source for betting strategies.
As for the Utes, they entered the season with aspirations of making the College Football Playoff but have hit a downturn, with five consecutive losses. Their leading quarterbacks, Cam Rising and Brandon Rose, are sidelined for the season, and Isaac Wilson is dealing with an illness yet has been seen warming up ahead of the game. Despite their struggles, Utah’s elite defense and strong running game have kept them competitive during their losing streak.
Defensively, Utah excels, ranking first in the Big 12 with only 17.1 points allowed and 307.4 total yards per game. This defensive strength may provide a challenge for Colorado’s pass-heavy offense.
On the flip side, Colorado has significantly bolstered its defense this season under Coach Sanders and new defensive coordinator Robert Livingston, now allowing 22.6 points and 367.2 total yards per game. With standout performances from Shedeur Sanders, who has amassed 2,882 passing yards and 24 touchdowns, and Travis Hunter’s remarkable skills on both sides of the ball, Colorado is poised for success.
As Saturday’s game approaches, Kaylor is leaning ‘over’ on the point total and has pinpointed a crucial X-factor that could influence the outcome, details of which are exclusive to SportsLine.
With both teams seeking a pivotal win, Saturday’s clash is set to be an intense showdown that could further propel Colorado in their promising season while providing Utah with a chance to shift their momentum. Fans can find streaming options through FuboTV.
This matchup is not only crucial for standings but also a testament to the resilience and growth of both programs, highlighting the unexpected twists in college football that keep the sport exciting.