In a Week 8 matchup in the Big 12, the Colorado Buffaloes (4-2, 2-1 Big 12) will head to Tucson to take on the Arizona Wildcats (3-3, 1-2).
Both teams come into this game looking to bounce back after losses. The Buffaloes nearly pulled off a stunning comeback against Kansas State, while Arizona fell to BYU in a turnover-riddled performance.
This game presents a challenging betting scenario, with uncertainty surrounding the health of Colorado's star two-way player, Travis Hunter.
Colorado's resilience will be tested in Week 8, particularly with the status of Travis Hunter uncertain after suffering a shoulder injury in the second quarter of last week's game.
Despite losing key players, including top receivers Jimmy Horn Jr. and Omarion Miller, Colorado still pushed then No. 19 Kansas State to the brink, showing incredible grit. Shedeur Sanders, the Buffaloes' star quarterback, completed 34/40 passes for 388 yards and three TDs, even without his top weapons in the second half.
Arizona, on the other hand, is a team mired in inconsistency. After opening the season with high hopes and a win total projection of 7.5, the Wildcats have sputtered to a 3-3 start, including two straight losses. They're also 1-5 against the spread (ATS), struggling to meet expectations in almost every outing.
Arizona's offense, led by quarterback Noah Fifita, can move the ball but their tendency to turn it over has been a significant issue. Fifita has thrown nine interceptions against just eight touchdowns this season, and the Wildcats' four giveaways against BYU last week directly led to their defeat.
Colorado's defensive numbers aren't spectacular — they allow 24.8 points per game — but they have proven to be opportunistic, and their offense is potent enough to compensate for defensive lapses. If Hunter suits up, his presence would elevate both sides of the ball, but even without him, Sanders can put up big numbers.
The visitors' offense ranks among the top in the conference, averaging 30.8 points per game. Arizona's defense, meanwhile, has been porous, giving up an average of 27.2 points per contest.
The Buffaloes have covered in four of their six games this season and are well-positioned to do so again.
Arizona's inability to protect the football coupled with Colorado's high-powered passing attack suggests that taking the Buffaloes to cover the 3.5-point spread is a smart play.
The total for this game is set at 55.5, and it's easy to see why the Over is the more attractive option.
Both teams boast offenses that can score in bunches but struggle to consistently shut down opponents on defense.
Colorado's Sanders is a dynamic playmaker with 2,018 passing yards, 17 touchdowns and just four interceptions on the season. Even without Hunter, Sanders has plenty of weapons at his disposal, and Colorado's aerial attack should have no trouble moving the ball against a vulnerable Arizona secondary.
Arizona's offense also has big-play potential, despite the turnover issues that have plagued them. Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan is a deep threat with 742 receiving yards this season, and running back Quarian Conley provides balance in the ground game with 458 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
While Colorado has had difficulty stopping the run at times, Arizona's own defense hasn't fared much better, giving up 27.2 points per game.
In last year's matchup, Arizona narrowly beat Colorado 34-31 in Boulder, totaling 65 points. Given the offensive firepower on both sides and the defensive vulnerabilities, a high-scoring game is likely.
If Arizona can avoid turnovers and get into a rhythm, this game could easily go Over 55.5 total points.
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Colorado | +145 ML |
Arizona | -170 ML |
Spread | Arizona -3.5 |
Total Points | O/U 55.5 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.