Utah Utes (1-2) at Colorado Buffaloes (4-0), Saturday, 10:05 a.m. MST, FOX, 850 AM
Three things to watch
1. Go Bruins! Colorado’s sole chance of making the Pac-12 championship game is a win against Utah and a Southern California loss to UCLA. If No. 21 CU and No. 15 USC both finish undefeated, the Trojans get the nod by virtue of having more division wins. The Buffs last reached the conference title game in 2016 (a 41-10 loss to Washington).
2. Broussard is best. CU’s Jarek Broussard became the first player to rush for 100-plus yards in his first four career games in program history, establishing himself as the Pac-12’s top running back. He averaged a whopping 12 yards per carry in last week’s win over Arizona to reach 301 on the ground. Broussard is a significant reason why the Buffs are undefeated.
3. Defensive muscle. The Buffs’ defense has allowed fewer than 20 points in two consecutive games for only the second time since the start of the 2017 season. It’s a credit to the scheme of defensive coordinator Tyson Summers and the play of defensive captain Nate Landman. The senior inside linebacker has recorded double-digit tackles in 18 career games.
Who has the edge?
When Utah runs
Freshman Utes running back Ty Jordan had a breakout performance last week with 167 yards rushing and a touchdown. But Utah has only three rushing scores over three games played this season. CU’s run defense gave up 268 yards on the ground against Arizona, but held stout in previous games against San Diego State and Stanford. The Buffs’ front seven is not a liability this season.
Edge: Buffs
When Utah passes
Utes quarterback Jake Bentley, a South Carolina graduate transfer, has more interceptions (four) than touchdown passes (three) this season. But CU can’t sleep on the deep-threat ability of wide receiver Bryan Thompson, who averages 22.6 yards per catch. The Buffs’ secondary has done well limiting big passes after giving up 300-plus yards through the air against both UCLA and Stanford.
Edge: Buffs
When the Buffs run
Broussard’s ability to run with power between the tackles and escape defenders with blazing speed is what keeps defensive coordinators up at night. It’s also a credit to CU’s improved offensive line play. Utah’s run defense has allowed at least one touchdown per game with Oregon State totaling 133 yards on the ground last week. Broussard is in line for another big game.
Edge: Buffs
When the Buffs pass
CU quarterback Sam Noyer passed for just 92 yards on 12 completions with a pair of interceptions against Arizona. It marked Noyer’s first game this season without a passing touchdown. Utah’s defense has combined for five interceptions this season while holding all three of its opponents to less than 300 yards through the air.
Edge: Utes
Special teams
CU placekicker Evan Price is 5-of-6 on field-goal attempts this season. Utes placekicker Jadon Redding is 4-of-4 on field goals with three conversions in a win against Oregon State. Utah wide receiver Britain Covey also returned a punt 64 yards for a touchdown. The Buffs haven’t moved the needle in the return game.
Edge: Utes
Post predictions
Sean Keeler, columnist: CU 27, Utah 26
Sam Noyer — SAM NOYER! — tucks and runs the Buffs over the line. Cinderella wears gold. Larry Scott turns purple.
Matt Schubert, deputy sports editor: CU 24, Utah 20
As Mike MacIntyre once told us, Buffaloes always walk into the storm. And this time they even come out with a program-altering victory.
Kyle Fredrickson, beat writer: Utah 24, CU 21
An ugly truth: CU lacks a quality win that makes the Buffs real Pac-12 title contenders. The Buffs, while improving under first-year coach Karl Dorrell, aren’t quite there yet.
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