Buffs host Wildcats for homecoming: Arizona preview

Kaidon Salter charges forward (Photo by Remi Krupinski/Sko Buffs Sports)

The Colorado Buffaloes (3-5, 1-4 Big 12) try to keep their bowl dreams alive during homecoming weekend against the Arizona Wildcats (4-3, 1-3 Big 12).

Defensively, the Buffs will be short-handed with only four healthy defensive linemen expected to be in the rotation. The run game is coming off a putrid 422 yards allowed, and a light trench rotation creates a heavy weakness for Colorado.

The defensive concerns for the Buffs are real, and they will be keying in on Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita, who's slung the ball for 1,829 yards and 17 passing touchdowns this season and found three more on the ground. Only throwing four interceptions, Fifita has taken care of the ball and led the offense to an average of 31 points per game.

The Cats could look to their leading running back, Ismael Mahdi, to have a big game against a struggling Buffs defense. He’s carried the rock for 445 yards and has a burst when in the open field. Wide receiver Javin Whatley has been the number one target, hauling in 370 yards and three touchdowns. 

Colorado’s experience against Fifita could prove beneficial, but the run game will be where the game is won and lost. 

Colorado’s offense will be without starting left guard Xavier Hill, who will be missed by the Buffs. No Simeon Price or Dekalon Taylor means that it will be a heavy dose of Micah Welch, Kam Mikell and Dallan Hayden on the ground. Arizona is allowing 139 yards per game and running the ball could help quarterback Kaidon Salter. 

Salter will have to shake off his rough performance from last week to help the offense rebound. It will be a difficult matchup with the strength of Arizona’s secondary, but at home, Colorado has found their three wins. 

Last week, Salter only had nine completions, threw an interception and was sat in the fourth quarter. His confidence and mentality returning will be important for the Buffs' success.

With it being homecoming week, the Buffs will have a must-win game Saturday night in Boulder. Defensive end Arden Walker believes Folsom Field’s magic could be enough for a win. 

“I hope the fans can continue to keep believing in us because we believe in them, we appreciate them,” Walker said. “The energy and momentum of the game, that's a big part to what we do and how we can win the game.” 

Kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m. MT on Fox.