The University of Colorado’s head coach Deion Sanders holds up his CU hoodie as he exits the field after winning the Rocky Mountain Showdown at Canvas Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (Clementine Miller/CU Independent)
An unideal streak lingers as No. 18 Colorado prepares to face unranked Utah on Saturday at Folsom Field: a seven-year losing streak against the Utes in a 71-year rivalry. This season, Colorado isn’t seeing it as a rivalry. The Buffs are more focused on defeating another team on the path to a potential championship.
Last year, Utah extended its winning streak over Colorado with a 23-17 victory, amid Deion Sanders’ efforts to rebuild a promising program. However, the momentum Colorado has gained this season—along with its move to the Big 12—has raised hopes for fans eager to see the team continue its success against previously unlikely opponents. The difference this year is the athleticism stacked on the Buffs sideline.
Colorado currently leads the confrence in total yards per game and third-down conversion percentage. However, they face a Utah defense that has allowed only 23.8% of third-down conversions this season. Utah also holds an advantage in time of possession, averaging 33:07 minutes against opponents, which could prove crucial in limiting opportunities for Shedeur Sanders to make explosive plays.
Another challenge for Colorado’s offense is the uncertain status of Jimmy Horn Jr., who suffered a lower-body injury in last week’s 41-27 win over Texas Tech. Horn has accounted for 434 receiving yards this season and is being evaluated on a day-to-day basis.
“It’s going to be day-by-day,” Sanders said at a Tuesday press confrence. “We hope he’s able to work Thursday. If he gives us a good Thursday and Friday, then he’s a go. Jimmy’s the kind of guy who likes to practice. I don’t think he’s capable right now, but you never know how that will change by Thursday.”
On the defensive side, Colorado must contend with Utah’s strong run game, as the Utes lead the league in rushing yards per attempt this season. Key players like Colton Hood, DJ McKinney, Travis Hunter, Nikhai Hill-Green and Shilo Sanders will be critical to stopping Utah’s ground attack in the season’s 12th week.
One advantage for Colorado is the momentum gained from consecutive wins. Utah, meanwhile, enters Saturday’s matchup with a 4-5 record after a narrow loss to undefeated BYU. Colorado holds a 7-2 record and is No. 17 in the College Football Playoff rankings.
“That’s a challenge for us,” Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham said. “We poured everything we had into that game, as we do every week, but that game took a little more of an emotional toll. We need to come back—just like we do every Monday, win or lose—and get ready for the next one. We’ll regroup as a coaching staff, regroup as a football team, and be prepared to play these last three games.”
The sold-out game between Utah and Colorado will kick off Saturday at 10 a.m. at Folsom Field and will be broadcast live on FOX, with the Big Noon pregame show streaming live from Farrand Field.
Contact CU Independent staff writer Julie Torten Rabinowitz at Julie.Torten.Rabinowitz@colorado.edu
