Bye week boosts Buffaloes into Utah road trip

BY LEOPOLDO RIVERA IV | 365 Sports

Fresh off a bye week, the Colorado Buffaloes (3-4, 1-3 Big 12) cross the mountains to face the Utah Utes (5-2, 2-2) in a Saturday night showdown. 

It will be a late kickoff, one the Buffs have been accustomed to this season, but Colorado hopes a week to recharge can be the fuel they need to find a win. During the bye week, head coach Deion Sanders felt his team handled their injuries well. 

“Our guys ain’t soft, man,” Sanders said. “One thing that I really love about our guys, you don’t see our guys laying around on the field. They get up and get off the darn field regardless of how hurt they are.”  

Sanders expects the toughness to show with the return of one of his three injured running backs, although he did not say which one. The likely return is Dre’lon Miller, while Simeon Price is still a possibility to play. Colorado’s third back out is Dekalon Taylor which has hurt the depth of that unit. 

Even with the injuries, Colorado’s offensive line is paving the way for an average of 143 yards per game. Quarterback Kaidon Salter could look to rely on that run game as the Buffs head to hostile territory.

The Utes’ defense has been stout, but has allowed opponents to rush for an average of 150 yards per game. Still, they’re limiting opponents to just 15 points per game. At home, the defense will be a key matchup for Salter’s unit, which is averaging about 25 points per game. 

Utah’s offense has been electric behind the arm and legs of quarterback Devon Dampier. They’re putting up an average of nearly 37 points and have significantly improved on their dual-threat ability. Sanders respects Dampier’s skills and has prepared his defense for them. 

“They have a quarterback that can get it done through the air as well as on the ground,” Sanders said. “He makes some good decisions back there. He don’t really make a lot of mistakes. We’ve got to force them into things that they are uncomfortable doing.”

With the Utes coming off a disappointing loss to rival BYU, the Buffs will look to capitalize on the weakness the Cougars found. It will be a tough ask on the road, but Colorado is hoping an upset over Iowa State and a bye can be enough momentum for them to find a win. 

Kickoff is set for 9:15 pm CST on ESPN.