The lights of Folsom Field will burn a little hotter tonight. Forget the pageantry and the prime-time billing; this game is about one thing: revenge. Nine months after the BYU Cougars dealt the Colorado Buffaloes a humiliating loss in the Alamo Bowl, the Buffs get their shot at payback. More critically, they get their shot at a desperately needed first conference win.
Colorado (2-2, 0-1 Big 12) must treat No. 25 BYU (3-0) not just as a ranked opponent, but as a critical measuring stick. If Coach Prime’s crew wants to be taken seriously in the new-look Big 12, they have to protect their turf and put the ugly memory of last December to rest.
Kaidon Salter: The Razor's Edge of Consistency
The narrative around the Buffs always starts under center, and this week, it’s all about Kaidon Salter. Coach Sanders preached consistency, and Salter delivered against Wyoming. His dual-threat capabilities are the main focus on offense.
Looking at the numbers, Salter has been efficient: 565 passing yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions on the year. That's a strong completion percentage and an ideal touchdown-to-interception ratio. But the true danger is his scrambling—153 rushing yards and three scores.
However, against a stout, three-win team like BYU, that production has to be sustainable. As Salter goes, we go. If he can replicate the high-volume, high-efficiency output we saw last Saturday, Colorado has a chance. If the offense sputters like it did vs Houston, Folsom will get quiet quickly.
The Running Back Roulette
The injury report in the backfield is a genuine concern. With key contributors Simeon Price and DeKalon Taylor out, the pressure falls squarely on Micah Welch and Dallan Hayden.
Welch, has been effective when called upon, tallying 143 rushing yards and a touchdown. Hayden, needs to be integrated immediately. Offensive Coordinator Pat Shurmur must find a way to establish the run early—not just to pick up yards, but to keep the Cougars' tenacious front seven from pinning its ears back against Salter.
The flip side is the massive potential in the receiving corps. Guys like Sincere Brown are explosive, averaging an absurd 29.0 yards per catch. That big-play ability is what will save drives and keep BYU’s secondary honest. If the Buffs can generate explosive plays and keep the chains moving, it forces BYU to play outside of its comfort zone.
Stopping the BYU Formula
BYU brings a classic, physical brand of football. Their 3-0 start is built on a simple, effective formula: a stellar freshman quarterback and a bruising ground game.
Freshman QB Bear Bachmeier has been an absolute revelation. He’s thrown for 518 yards, four TDs, and zero interceptions in his first three starts. His poise is the story; he has yet to crack under pressure. The Buffs' defense needs to change that.
For Colorado to win, they must be superior in two phases: Salter's offense needs to score touchdowns, not field goals, and the defense must force Bachmeier into his first collegiate turnover. Folsom is electric, but noise only lasts as long as the hope on the scoreboard.
This is the game where the Colorado Buffaloes must prove their bite is as big as their bark.
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