Prediction, Preview, and Betting Lines for Colorado vs. Utah

Colorado is on fire and will win the national title if they do not lose another football game this season. Utah, on the other hand, is dreadfully bad and just playing out the string to end the season.

Not quite on the first part, and the second part was way too dramatic, but

Almost, the Utes saved their season. It looked like they had BYU beat with a late sack, but the flag came out, the game went on, and the final score was BYU 22, Utah 21.

They still have this, Iowa State, and at UCF to play, so they need to win two of those three games to be bowl eligible. But they have lost five straight games because their offense will not go.

At the same time, Coach Prime’s team is playing really, really well. Colorado has won six of its last seven games and has won three in a row. It will be in the Big 12 Championship if it wins its last three games.

Colorado vs Utah: How to Watch and Game Preview

Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Game Time: 12:00 pm ET
How to Watch: FOX
Venue: Folsom Field, Boulder, CO
Teams: Colorado (7-2), Utah (4-5)

Why Utah Will Win

The defense is still very good.

Although it failed to stop the one drive it had to against BYU, this should be by far the toughest test for the Colorado offense. It is ranked No. 1 in the country in third down defense and does a great job against good passing teams.

Utah has the best total defense and scoring defense in the Big 12. The team does not have a strong pass rush, but it makes up for it by stopping big plays.

The important thing is to stop Shedeur Sanders from making those long shots that break your back. Utah is only letting passers make 49% of their shots, but

Why Colorado Will Win

Utah does not get any points.

A team that has not scored more than 23 points in any Big 12 game had to work hard to get to 21 points against BYU.

The Utes’ quarterback Brandon Rose hurt his leg and will miss the rest of the season. Their starting tight end Brant Kuithe is also out for the season, and they do not have many players who can step up and fight the Colorado offense once it starts moving.

And then there is the problem of staff turnover. The defense for Colorado is much better now than it was last year.

Part of that is because they have had three or more takeaways in four of the last seven games. In the last six games, Utah has given the ball up 14 times.

Colorado vs Utah: Who Will Win?

This will not get out of hand because Utah has a good defense. As the second half starts, it will be close, but just when it looks like an upset might happen, boom.

Sanders and Colorado’s offense will score on a smooth four-play drive, Utah will not be able to answer, and another score will follow after a turnover.