Buffs turn page on Utah loss, focus on Arizona

BY Leopoldo Rivera IV | 365 Sports

Last Saturday, the Colorado Buffaloes (3-5, 1-4 Big 12) were throttled in Salt Lake City by the Utah Utes (6-2, 3-2 Big 12), 53-7. 

The beatdown was ugly and revealed how Colorado was severely outcoached in all three phases. By halftime, the Utes had 43 points, and Colorado’s offense found a way to lose -18 total yards by that same time. 

Defensively, the Buffs were attacked in the trenches with the Utes rushing for an astounding 422 yards, even with the start of true freshman quarterback Byrd Ficklin. As a whole, the Buffs gave up 587 yards and looked lost coming out of their bye week. 

Offensively, the Buffs had their worst performance of the season by far. Their total yardage was only 140 by the end of the game, and Kaidon Salter’s unit was not able to find the endzone. Salter only completed 9 of his passes for 37 yards and an interception. The offensive line had its worst showing, allowing six total sacks between both quarterbacks who played. 

Ryan Staub led the Buffs to their only touchdown on a one-yard sneak, which hardly made a dent in the deficit. Even the special team unit for Colorado had a poor night, and they’ve been the most consistent all season. Colorado let up a fake punt and also had a punt of their own blocked. 

As rough as the game was, head coach Deion Sanders is trying to wipe away the memory and focus on the Arizona Wildcats. 

Their offense is run through tenured quarterback Noah Fafita, who’s gained 1,829 yards through the air and 17 touchdowns. Ismail Mahdi is the team’s leading rusher with 445 yards, but only one rushing touchdown. The bulk of the Cats’ offense will come through the air, although with Colorado’s poor run defense, they could try to run it.

“But this kid, to me, he’s a pro. He can play. He can spin it, throw it,” Sanders said. “You give him time, and he is going to make some things happen.”

The Arizona defense is allowing just over 20 points per game. They’re allowing 139 yards per game on the ground. That could be where Colorado tries to rebound and attack. At home, Colorado has found its three wins and is hoping home-field advantage can help it find a spark. 

Kickoff time is set for 6:00 pm CST on Fox.