Head Coach Deion Sanders and the No. 17 Colorado Buffaloes (7-2, 5-1) are set to host the Utah Utes (4-5, 1-5) on Saturday at Folsom Field, as they aim to extend their winning streak to four games. The Buffaloes are coming off an impressive 41-27 road victory against Texas Tech, where quarterback Shedeur Sanders threw for 291 yards and secured three touchdowns. Heisman Trophy contender Travis Hunter also showcased his versatility by excelling on both offense and defense. In contrast, the Utes suffered a narrow 22-21 defeat against their in-state rival BYU in their previous outing.
Kickoff in Boulder, Colorado, is scheduled for noon ET, with the Buffaloes being favored by 13.5 points. The total points over/under is set at 43.5. Before placing any bets on this matchup, consider the insights from Jimmie Kaylor, a seasoned expert in NFL, college football, and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS).
Kaylor, who has been a member of the Pro Football Writers of America, combines his experience as a former college football All-American and NFL player to provide informed analysis. Over the last two seasons, he has achieved a remarkable 71.04 units in profit, boasting a record of 203 wins and 124 losses with five ties since the start of the 2023 season. His expertise has proven beneficial for those following his betting picks.
As for the Utes, despite coming into the season with hopes of making the College Football Playoff, they’ve faced a difficult stretch and currently find themselves in a five-game losing streak. Their quarterbacks Cam Rising and Brandon Rose are out for the season due to injuries, and Isaac Wilson’s availability is uncertain due to illness. However, the Utes possess a strong defense that has kept them competitive. They rank first in the Big 12, allowing just 17.1 points and 307.4 total yards on average per game, which could be crucial against Colorado’s passing-heavy offense.
Meanwhile, Colorado has made significant strides defensively in Coach Sanders’ second year, largely due to the hiring of longtime NFL coach Robert Livingston as their defensive coordinator. The Buffaloes are yielding 22.6 points and 367.2 total yards per game. Their offense is led by standout players like quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who has thrown for 2,882 yards, 24 touchdowns, and six interceptions, and Travis Hunter, who has excelled as both a receiver and defender.
Kaylor’s analysis of the Colorado vs. Utah game highlights a favorable point total and reveals a key factor that could influence the spread, encouraging bettors to take action.
Overall, this matchup presents a hopeful scenario for Colorado and their fans, as the Buffaloes are finding their form at an opportune time, while the Utes, though struggling, still have a formidable defense that could provide an unexpected challenge. As Kickoff approaches, both teams will be looking to make a statement in what is sure to be an exciting college football showdown.