Buffs look to play Homecoming spoiler: Utah Preview

Kaidon Salter utalizes a run-pass option (Photo by Christian Blanco/Sko Buffs Sports)

The Colorado Buffaloes (3-4, 1-3 Big 12) cross the Rockies, facing the Utah Utes (5-2, 2-2 Big 12) in their fifth conference game.

Coming off a bye week, an injured Buffs team took time to recover and refocus in preparation for their rival Utes. In their last contest against the then-No. 22 Iowa State Cyclones, quarterback Kaidon Salter reignited the offense's confidence with a win.

The Buffs will trot into Rice-Eccles Stadium, greeted by thousands of Ute fans, in attendance for Homecoming. A rowdy atmosphere will provide hostile conditions for Colorado, which has lost six straight in Salt Lake City. The Buffs’ timeout/clock management issues could hurt them if they are not prepared for the sound. 

Even amongst the rivalry, head coach Deion Sanders gave respect to Utah and their head coach, Kyle Whittingham.

“They are a good team, a well-coached team, and I love everything about them,” Sanders said. “But we are going out with one thing in mind, and that is to dominate.”

It begins in the trenches, where the run game averages 143 yards per game for the Buffs. Colorado is getting a boost on the ground with the expected return of running backs Dekalon Taylor and Dre’lon Miller. The third injured back, Simeon Price, will likely still be out. 

On the ground, Colorado will match up against a stout Utah defense that is only allowing 15 points per game. The Buffs won’t have an easy time in the air either, as the Utes’ defense is only allowing 155 pass yards per game. With home field, the defense becomes a great strength that the Buffs will have to find a way to combat. 

Utah’s offense has been a juggernaut, putting up 36 points per game and ranking 6th in FBS in rushing yards per game, averaging 245. Their success is heavily dependent on quarterback Devon Dampier.

The dual-threat gunslinger was on the injury report this week, dealing with a tweaked ankle, but will be starting Saturday night. Dampier has 1,375 passing yards and 13 passing touchdowns, while also leading the team with 442 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Limiting him will be a necessity for Colorado.

“On the defensive side, we have to be more consistent at the linebacker position and we have to make plays in the secondary,” Sanders said.

The Buffs' defense has found its leader in Tawfiq Byard and will look to build on their stops against ISU this week. A big ask on the road, the defense will need to make plays to keep the offense afloat. 

Colorado has shown they can compete with anyone, but with Utah fresh of a loss to the Brigham Young Cougars, they will be fueled to release their anger on the Buffs.

 Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. MT on ESPN.