There is a renewed confidence emanating from Colorado right now. Right before the bye week, the Buffaloes saw proof of concept for this season by knocking off No. 22 Iowa State in Boulder. After weeks of being 'close', Colorado finally broke through and proved they could compete with the upper echelon of the Big 12.
A much greater challenge awaits on Saturday. Now, Deion Sanders has to take the show on the road and face a stout Utah team in one of college football's most challenging environments in Salt Lake City. Utah star QB Devon Dampier is probable for the game after speculation around his availability earlier in the week, making the challenge even more significant.
This is only Colorado's third road game of the season. The previous two have been unkind to the Buffaloes' faithful. Colorado was soundly beaten on the road against Houston, and then while they were competitive at TCU, they still saw the final score get away from them a bit with a two-touchdown defeat.
Coach Prime said his team's mentality is to walk into Rice-Eccles and 'dominate.' He knows how great the challenge is, however, saying that Colorado will have to play 'twice as well' as they normally would in order to have a shot at pulling the road upset.
Not many are giving the Buffs a chance, but if Colorado can play complementary football, and the Kaidon Salter that showed up against Iowa State two weeks ago makes the trip to Salt Lake, then it wouldn't be much of a stretch to see Colorado with a chance to win this game in the fourth quarter.
Betting Odds for Colorado vs. Utah
Odds courtesy of FanDuel as of 10am ET on Saturday.
Spread: Colorado +14.5
Over/Under: 48.5
Moneyline: Colorado +440/Utah -590
Final prediction for Colorado at Utah
The oddsmakers have little faith that Colorado has much of a chance to go on the road and earn an upset victory. The spread has drifted further away from the Buffs. It started at +13.5, but has moved up to 14.5, indicating some late money pouring in on the Utes.
That's just extra motivation for Coach Prime in the locker room ahead of the game. It may not be enough to get over the hump, however.
The biggest problem facing Colorado will be at the line of scrimmage defensively. Stopping the run has been a big issue - Colorado ranks 93rd in the country in run defense success rate - and Utah will look to impose its will. The Utes are one of the best rushing offenses in the country, ranking 8th in rushing offense success rate, per Game on Paper.
Colorado will have to bring it on both lines of scrimmage to have a chance. I think the Buffs will keep it close, but Utah will ultimately wear them down in the second half.