Arizona Wildcats vs Colorado Buffaloes Picks and Predictions October 19th 2024

With kickoff set for 4:00 ET, the Arizona Wildcats are set to host the Colorado Buffaloes at Arizona Stadium in Tucson. The Wildcats are the -3.5 point favorites in this week eight matchup. The over/under line is currently at 55.5 points. You can catch this one on FOX. The money line odds have Arizona at -175 and Colorado at +144. The Buffaloes come in with a 4-2 record, while the Wildcats are 3-3 on the season.

Colorado vs. Arizona Key Information

Colorado heads into Week 8 against Arizona with a 4-2 record, ranked 30th in our power rankings. They have a 93.4% chance of becoming bowl-eligible but only a 5.6% chance of winning the Big 12. On the road, they are 2-1, while they are 0-1 at home this season.

The Buffaloes have been favored in just one game this season, and their ATS record stands at 3-1. They’ve covered once as the favorite and twice as the underdog, with an average scoring margin of +6.2 points per game.

Their over/under record is 2-2, with their games averaging 54.8 points. The average over/under line for their games has been 56.6 points, slightly higher than this week’s line of 55.5 points.

Colorado’s offense is ranked 31st in our offensive power rankings heading into week 8, and they are 39th in scoring, averaging 30.5 points per game. Their passing game has been the focal point, ranking 8th nationally with 336.3 yards per game. They are 3rd in completions, averaging 28.7 per game, and 10th in attempts, with 39.8 per game. Their completion percentage is 72%, ranking 4th in the country, and they are 41st in third-down conversions, converting 43.4% of their attempts.

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Shedeur Sanders leads the team with 2,018 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions, giving him a passer rating of 114. Colorado ranks 130th in rushing, averaging just 62.5 yards per game. Isaiah Augustave leads the team with 127 rushing yards. Travis Hunter has 49 receptions for 587 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Colorado’s defense has been a concern this season, giving up an average of 24.3 points per game. In their latest game, a 31-28 loss to Kansas State, they allowed 31 points and 426 total yards, including 238 passing yards and two passing touchdowns, though they did manage to force one interception.

Opponents have averaged 161.7 rushing yards per game against Colorado, ranking them 106th nationally. The Buffaloes have also allowed 226 passing yards per game, with quarterbacks completing 65.2% of their passes and posting a passer rating of 95.7.

Arizona enters Week 8 with a 3-3 record as they prepare to face Colorado at home. They are ranked 58th in our power rankings and have a 55.6% chance of becoming bowl-eligible. So far, the Wildcats are 1-1 at home this season.

Arizona has only been favored in two games this season, going 1-1 in those matchups. Their average scoring margin is -0.8 points per game, and they have a 1-4 record against the spread.

The over/under line for this week is set at 55.5 points. Arizona’s average over/under line this season is 56.1 points, and their games have averaged 52.2 points, with a 2-3 record against the over/under.

Arizona’s offense is ranked 77th in our offensive power rankings heading into week 8. They are also 59th in points per game, scoring 25.7 per contest. Quarterback Noah Fifita has thrown for 1,636 yards, but he has just eight touchdowns compared to nine interceptions, giving him a passer rating of 75.

Arizona ranks 14th in passing attempts, averaging 38.5 per game, and they are 32nd in passing yards, with 272.7 per game. They are also 71st in third-down conversions, converting 37.8% of their attempts. Leading the receiving corps is Tetairoa McMillan, who has 742 yards and four touchdowns on 42 catches.

Arizona’s defense has allowed 26.5 points per game this season, including 41 points in their recent loss to BYU. They gave up 398 total yards, with 251 yards and three touchdowns coming through the air.

Opponents have averaged 211.7 passing yards per game against Arizona, completing 57.4% of their passes. On the ground, Arizona has allowed 147.8 rushing yards per game this season.

Colorado is the +3.5 point underdog on the road vs. Arizona in week eight. We like the Buffaloes to not only cover the spread but win the game, with a projected final score of 36-27 in their favor.

With the over/under line at 55.5 points, our projection of 63 combined points suggests taking the over as the best play.

Travis Hunter, Colorado Brace for Test from Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona

Two-way star Travis Hunter will be back in action for Colorado on Saturday when the Buffaloes face Arizona in a pivotal Big 12 matchup in Tucson, Ariz. The Buffaloes (4-2, 2-1 Big 12) will rely on Hunter, a Heisman Trophy hopeful, to provide his unique playmaking ability on both sides of the ball as they seek to bounce back from a tough loss last week.

Hunter’s Return Sparks Colorado

Hunter missed the second half of Colorado’s 31-28 loss to then-No. 18 Kansas State last week after suffering a right shoulder injury. Despite missing significant time, his presence will be vital as Colorado looks to continue its strong season under head coach Deion Sanders.

As a standout wide receiver and cornerback, Hunter has been a game-changer for Colorado all season. On offense, he’s been one of the team’s top threats with 49 receptions for 587 yards and six touchdowns. On defense, he’s equally formidable, having recorded 17 tackles and two interceptions.

Hunter will face one of his biggest tests this week as he’s expected to defend Arizona’s All-America candidate wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. Hunter’s versatility is well known, and Arizona head coach Brent Brennan acknowledged the challenge his team faces.

“I think (Hunter’s) impact on the game and his ability to affect both sides of the ball is incredible,” Brennan said. “That’s one of those challenges when you’re playing this team—you know he is on the field.”

Hunter initially hurt his shoulder during the second quarter of the Kansas State game when he was tackled after making a 14-yard reception. Although his absence was felt, his return this week could be a game-changer for Colorado.

Injury Concerns for Colorado’s Receivers

While Hunter’s return is significant, the Buffaloes are still dealing with injuries on the offensive side of the ball. Wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr., who exited early against Kansas State due to a leg injury, is expected to play Saturday, according to Coach Sanders. Horn has been a reliable weapon for the Buffaloes this season, with 26 receptions for 347 yards.

However, Colorado will be without two key receivers: Omarion Miller and Terrell Timmons Jr. Miller is out for the season after undergoing surgery for a leg injury, while Timmons remains sidelined.

Despite these setbacks, Sanders expects his players to come out with renewed focus and determination after last week’s loss.

“The guys took it upon themselves and came out with a different attitude,” Sanders said. “Sometimes you get intoxicated with winning and think you’re really like that. Saturday was a wake-up call for a multitude of us.”

Arizona’s Star Receiver Tetairoa McMillan

One of the biggest challenges for Hunter and the Buffaloes’ defense will be slowing down Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan, one of the nation’s top wide receivers. McMillan ranks third nationally in receiving yards with 742 yards on 42 catches, along with four receiving touchdowns. Coach Sanders didn’t mince words when discussing McMillan’s talent, calling him “one of the best receivers in the nation and certainly a pro.”

Arizona (3-3, 1-2 Big 12) has struggled in recent weeks, coming off a 41-19 loss to BYU last week—its second straight defeat after also losing to Texas Tech at home. The Wildcats will be hungry to turn things around, especially with McMillan leading their offensive attack.

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Arizona’s Defensive Struggles and Injuries

Arizona is also dealing with injury challenges of its own, particularly on defense. Two of their starting defensive backs, Treydan Stukes and Gunner Maldonado, are reportedly out for the season due to leg injuries. These absences could further strain an Arizona defense that will already have its hands full trying to slow down Hunter and Colorado’s high-powered offense.

Despite their .500 record, Arizona head coach Brent Brennan is keeping a positive outlook, noting that the team has six more opportunities to turn things around.

“A year ago, this team was 3-3, which is where we sit today,” Brennan said. “The only difference is how we feel about it because of the expectations going into the season, and so now all of a sudden, it feels worse.”

With injuries mounting, Arizona will need to find a way to rally and contain Colorado’s dynamic offense, led by the returning Hunter.

High Stakes for Both Teams

For Colorado, this game represents an important opportunity to stay in contention in the Big 12. With Hunter back on the field, the Buffaloes will be aiming to get back in the win column and maintain their strong start to the season. The ability of Nussmeier and the offense to move the ball, combined with Hunter’s impact on both sides, will be key.

Meanwhile, Arizona is looking to break its losing streak and prove that it can still make noise in the Big 12 despite recent setbacks. With McMillan and an offense capable of making big plays, the Wildcats remain a dangerous opponent, especially at home.

The stage is set for a compelling matchup, with Colorado hoping to ride the momentum of Hunter’s return, and Arizona looking to snap a two-game losing streak and get back on track.