Game location: Folsom Field/Boulder, CO
Game time/channel: 7:15pm PT/10:15pm ET (ESPN)
Spread: -7 (BYU)
Matchup History: Colorado (8-4-1)
The Cougars and Buffs have met on the gridiron 15 times. However, their only meeting since 1988 came last December in the Alamo Bowl. BYU walloped the Buffs 36-14 in a strong defensive effort. They flustered now-NFL quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Surely, Colorado is out for revenge this time around. The Cougars have won three straight in this series, dating back to 1981.
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Head coach: Deion Sanders (third season)
2025 Season Thus Far
It’s the beginning of a new era for Colorado. While still under the watchful eye of Coach Prime, the Buffs replace major contributors on both sides of the ball. Gone are Sanders at quarterback, along with several receivers including Heisman Trophy-winning, two-way star Travis Hunter. This year, Colorado has played a game of musical chairs at quarterback. Three different quarterbacks have attempted a pass through the first four games for the Buffs. They opened the season by losing at home to upstart Georgia Tech. They beat Delaware and Wyoming at home with a loss to Houston in their Big 12 opener sandwiched in between. It’s been an up-and-down affair thus far, with a 2-2 record to show for it.
When Colorado Has the Ball
Despite the chaotic situation at QB, it appears Kaidon Salter has earned the starting nod for now. He leads the team with 565 yards passing and four passing touchdowns after being a productive signal caller at Liberty. Colorado ranks 62nd in scoring with 27 points per game. They rank in the middle of the pack for most passing stats. They rank 108th in rushing attempts, meaning they prefer to air it out. Salter has been fairly accurate, ranking tied for second in adjusted completion percentage in the Big 12. Receiver Sincere Brown has had a few explosive receptions, averaging 29 yards per reception on seven catches.
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BYU’s plan of attack should be similar to that against ECU. The Cougars kept ECU under their season average for passing. If the secondary, led by cornerback Evan Johnson, can do that again, BYU should win handily. The Buffs have not shown they can run the ball with consistency. The pass rush needs to show up. The Buffs offensive line has allowed nine sacks in four games, which ranks 106th.
BYU has the No. 1 scoring defense in the entire sport of college football right now. They also rank first in yards per play allowed. Jay Hill’s defense is downright elite. The Buffs struggled mightily against it in the Alamo Bowl last season. It remains to be seen if they have an answer to it this time around.
When BYU Has the Ball
While BYU has been extremely effective at stopping the run on defense, they have been nearly just as effective in running the ball themselves. They rank 11th in yards per carry at 6.48. Meanwhile, Colorado ranks 99th in yards per carry allowed on defense. It sounds like BYU needs to run the ball. LJ Martin has been one of the most productive running backs in the Big 12. He is fourth among all Power 4 running backs at 8.6 yards per carry. BYU needs to pound the rock. They also cannot afford to stall out in the red zone like they have so far this year too often.
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Aaron Roderick should allow Bear Bachmeier to throw a little bit too. Especially when that means targeting the middle of the field with his tight end, Carsen Ryan. This is a big game for Bachmeier. It’s his first road start in a Big 12 Conference game. This will be a tougher test than ECU. The Cougars should protect him and settle him down by imposing their will with the run game.
How BYU Can Win
Colorado is bad against the run. BYU will not only win, but win the game handily if they can run the ball with a similar amount of efficiency that they have through the first three games. BYU’s defense is elite. Colorado has an experienced, athletic quarterback that will test them. BYU has faced tougher. As long as BYU avoids major mistakes and self-inflicted wounds, they should handle business in Boulder.
Prediction: BYU 27, Colorado 17
