Colorado looks to spoil BYU's undefeated season: Preview

Colorado's offense pre-snap against Wyoming (Photo by Christian Blanco/Sko Buffs Sports)

A No. 25-ranked Brigham Young Cougars team (3-0) comes into Folsom Field to give the Colorado Buffaloes (2-2, 0-1) their biggest test of the year.

It’ll be another night game for the Buffs in Boulder with a chance to get their first conference win. A tall task awaits as head coach Kalani Sitaki walks in with his Cougar team that crushed Colorado in the Alamo Bowl just months ago.  

Head coach Deion Sanders is confident in his team’s ability to shake their demons against the team that embarrassed them. 

“Physicality is an attitude, then it becomes the effort,” Sanders said. “But it starts with the attitude.”

Both rosters have changed since then, most notably at the quarterback position. Cougars are led by freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier, whose presence has commanded respect on the offense. Last week against Eastern Carolina, he completed 18/25 for 246 yards and a passing and rushing touchdown. 

Unfortunately for the Buffs, the Cougars' offensive strength comes from the ground. Through three games, they’ve run for 797 yards and nine touchdowns as a team. Leading rusher LJ Martin, who has 342 yards this season, will look to attack a Colorado front seven that has allowed an average of 194 yards per game. 

In the air, Bachmeier has two reliable targets in tight end Carsen Ryan and wide receiver Chase Roberts, each of whom has over 100 yards on the season. Ideally, they will have an advantage against a Colorado secondary hindered by injuries. Colorado cornerbacks Makari Vickers and RJ Johnson will be inactive. 

Pressure will be on the Colorado defense to improve its mistakes and stop the run. If the Buffs are outplayed in the trenches, it could become a long night. Sanders has high respect for the Cougar offense. 

“They’ve been playing superbly this season, even with a young quarterback,” Sanders said. “Offensively, they’re physical and tough.”

For Colorado, quarterback Kaidon Salter has earned the trust and confidence of his teammates. He is coming off his best game as a Buff, where he had over 300 passing yards, three touchdowns passing, and over 80 rushing yards and a score on the ground.

The offense will be heavily reliant on him, with injuries to running backs Dekalon Taylor and Simeon Price. Backs Micah Welch and Dallan Hayden will receive the bulk of the carries, with a potential for Dre’Lon Miller to see the backfield as well.

Outside receiver Sincere Brown leads the Buffs with 203 yards on just seven receptions. Omarion Miller and Joseph Williams each have over 100 yards, showcasing the talent and depth in the receiver room. A big day from that room will help the quarterback.

Battling against arguably the best defense in the Big 12, Salter and company will have their hands full. The Cougars have only allowed one touchdown all season and have generated six turnovers. Their linebacking core is disciplined and gets downhill quickly. Defensive end Logan Lutui leads the team with 15 total tackles. 

BYU’s brand of football is characterized by physicality and discipline. Proudly ranked, they have all the momentum in the world, but the Buffs look to play spoiler at home. Ending their perfect season may not be retribution for the Alamo Bowl, but it’d be a step in the right direction for Colorado. 

Strange things have happened after dark at Folsom Field.

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