Colorado Buffaloes vs Utah Utes Picks and Predictions November 16th 2024

Colorado Buffaloes vs Utah Utes November 16th 2024

At 12:00 ET, this Utah Utes vs. Colorado Buffaloes matchup will be played at Folsom Field in Boulder, and FOX will handle the television broadcast. The Buffaloes come in with a 7-2 record this season, and they are the -10.5 point favorites over the Utes. The over/under line is currently 47.5 points. The money line odds have Colorado at -380 and Utah at +292.

Utah vs. Colorado Key Information

Utah enters Week 12 against Colorado with a 4-5 record, ranked 52nd in our power rankings. They have a 24.4% chance of becoming bowl-eligible. On the road, Utah is 2-2, while their home record stands at 1-3 this season.

Despite being favored in seven of their nine games, Utah is 3-4 as the favorite. Their ATS record is 2-6, with a 1-6 mark as the favorite. Utah’s average scoring margin is +5.4 points per game.

The over/under line for this week is 47.5 points. Utah’s games have averaged 39.7 points, and their over/under record is 2-6, with an average line of 46.8 points this season.

Utah’s offense has struggled this season, ranking 107th in our offensive power rankings heading into week 12. They are averaging 22.6 points per game, which places them 76th nationally. Their third-down conversion rate is just 32.8%, ranking 114th, and their passing game is 81st, with 212.4 yards per game. Utah’s passer rating is 118th in the country.

Boost Your NCAAF Betting Game with Winning Tips! Discover the best Expert Football Picks now.

Isaac Wilson leads Utah’s passing attack with 1,200 yards, but he has thrown eight interceptions and eight touchdowns, resulting in a passer rating of 72. On the ground, Micah Bernard has rushed for 860 yards, averaging 5 yards per carry. Dorian Singer leads the receiving corps with 616 yards on 44 catches but has yet to score a touchdown this season.

Utah’s defense ranks 10th nationally, allowing just 17.1 points per game. They’ve given up 139.1 rushing yards per game and 175 passing yards, with opposing quarterbacks completing only 49.1% of their passes, the fourth-lowest rate in the country.

In their recent game against BYU, Utah’s defense allowed 22 points and 344 total yards, including 125 rushing yards on 33 attempts and 219 passing yards, though they didn’t allow a passing touchdown.

At 7-2, Colorado is ranked 22nd in our CFB power rankings. They’ve already secured bowl eligibility and have a 32% chance of winning the Big 12. The Buffaloes also hold the 15th best odds to reach the CFB playoff, with a 27.4% chance.

Colorado’s ATS record stands at 6-1, and they’ve been favored in three of their nine games. Their average scoring margin is +9.9 points per game, and they’ve gone 3-0 against the spread as favorites.

This week’s over/under line is 47.5 points, while Colorado’s games have averaged a line of 57.5 points. Their over/under record is 3-3-1, with their games averaging 55 points per contest.

Heading into week 12, Colorado’s offense ranks 18th in our offensive power rankings, averaging 32.4 points per game, placing them 33rd nationally. Their passing game is their strength, ranking 8th with 320.2 yards per game. They are 6th in completions, averaging 27.8 per game, and 17th in attempts. Colorado is 2nd in completion percentage at 72.3% and 10th in passer rating.

Shedeur Sanders has thrown for 2,882 yards, completing 72.9% of his passes, with a passer rating of 113. He has 24 touchdowns and six interceptions. Leading receiver Travis Hunter has 856 yards and nine touchdowns on 69 catches. Colorado’s run game is struggling, ranking 131st with 80.2 rushing yards per game.

Colorado’s defense has allowed an average of 22.6 points per game this season, ranking 38th nationally. In their recent game against Texas Tech, they gave up 27 points but limited the Red Raiders to 113 rushing yards on 46 attempts, while allowing 275 passing yards and forcing one interception.

Opponents have averaged 151.2 rushing yards per game against Colorado and 216.6 passing yards. Quarterbacks have completed 62.7% of their passes, posting a passer rating of 91.7 against the Buffaloes’ defense.

Our projections have Colorado winning this matchup 27-25, but with Utah coming in as +10.5 point underdogs, we like their chances to cover the spread. For an over/under pick, we suggest taking the over, as our model has these teams combining for 52 points.

No. 17 Colorado Eyes Big 12 Championship, But Won’t Overlook Utah

With the postseason in sight, No. 17 Colorado looks to stay on course for the Big 12 Championship Game and a potential College Football Playoff berth. However, the Buffaloes aren’t taking anything for granted as they prepare to host a determined Utah squad this Saturday in Boulder, Colo.

Colorado Riding High, But Focused on the Next Challenge

The Buffaloes (7-2, 5-1 Big 12) have been on fire, winning three straight games to move into second place in the conference standings. Coach Deion Sanders’ squad boasts one of the most explosive offenses in the nation, led by quarterback Shedeur Sanders, versatile star Travis Hunter, and wide receiver LaJohntay Wester. Their defense has also shown improvement, becoming more physical and disruptive as the season has progressed.

Last week, Colorado put on a defensive clinic in a 41-27 victory over Texas Tech. The defense racked up seven sacks, 11 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, and an interception. One of those fumble recoveries turned into a game-sealing touchdown by Shilo Sanders.

Despite the success, Coach Deion Sanders remains laser-focused on the next task at hand. “I never take a step back,” Sanders said. “I take a step up. I always have my head out the window and want to see around the corner.”

Injury Updates: Jimmy Horn Jr.’s Status Uncertain

A key storyline for Colorado heading into this game is the status of senior wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr., who left last week’s game with a lower-body injury. Horn has been a reliable target for Shedeur Sanders, tallying 33 catches for 434 yards this season.

“It’s going to be day-by-day,” Sanders explained. “We hope he’s able to work Thursday. If he gives us a good Thursday and Friday, then he’s a go.”

Utah: A Season of Adversity, But Still Fighting

Utah (4-5, 1-5 Big 12) has had a challenging season, transitioning to the Big 12 after years as a dominant force in the Pac-12. The Utes are in unfamiliar territory near the bottom of the conference standings, largely due to losing seventh-year senior quarterback Cam Rising to a season-ending injury.

Despite their struggles, Utah nearly pulled off an upset last week against No. 6 BYU, falling just short in a 22-21 nail-biter. Freshman quarterback Isaac Wilson was sidelined with an injury, forcing sophomore Brandon Rose into his first career start. Rose performed admirably under pressure, showing promise for the future.

“Our plan was to keep Cam healthy,” Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said. “We didn’t expect Brandon or Isaac to be thrust into the position they have been in, but that’s how things played out.”

Deion Sanders’ Respect for Utah and Coach Whittingham

Despite Utah’s losing record, Deion Sanders isn’t taking the Utes lightly. He expressed deep respect for Utah’s longtime coach Kyle Whittingham, who has been with the program for over three decades.

“They haven’t quit; they are still tough, aggressive, and stout defensively,” Sanders said. “They can still do some things that force you into some looks. You cannot take this team lightly; I don’t care what their record is. As long as (Whittingham) is over there on that sideline, you better be prepared for a tough game.”

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Shedeur Sanders vs. Utah’s Defense: Shedeur Sanders has been electric all season, making big plays both through the air and on the ground. Utah’s defense, despite its struggles, remains physical and capable of making key stops. This matchup could determine if Colorado can keep its offense rolling.
2. Travis Hunter’s Impact: Hunter’s ability to make plays on both sides of the ball has been crucial for Colorado. Whether it’s a game-changing interception or a clutch touchdown reception, Hunter’s versatility will be vital in breaking down Utah’s defense.
3. Utah’s Quarterback Situation: With Cam Rising out, the Utes are relying on young quarterbacks like Brandon Rose and Isaac Wilson (if healthy). Can the Utes generate enough offense to keep up with Colorado’s high-powered attack?

What’s at Stake?

For Colorado, a win keeps their hopes for a Big 12 Championship appearance and potential College Football Playoff berth alive. With just a few games left in the regular season, the Buffaloes can’t afford a slip-up against a struggling Utah team.

Need an Edge on NCAA Football? Our NCAA football betting picks are here to help.

On the other side, Utah is fighting for pride and bowl eligibility. Despite being out of the conference title race, a win over a top-20 team like Colorado would be a significant morale boost and show that they are still a force to be reckoned with.

Will the Buffaloes stay focused and continue their playoff push, or can the Utes play spoiler and disrupt Colorado’s postseason dreams? Saturday’s showdown in Boulder promises to be an exciting and hard-fought battle.