The Rumble in the Rockies is set for Friday, December 11, 2020, when the Utah Utes (1-2) visit the #21 Colorado Buffaloes (4-0, 3-0). Colorado is tied atop the Pac-12 South with USC, though they own the tiebreaker, and Utah sits in fourth in the South division. This game will air live on FS1 at 9:30 p.m. EST.
Through three games, the Utah offense is averaging 22.7 points per game and 363.0 yards per game, 178.0 through the air and 185.0 on the ground. Ty Jordan leads the team with 296 rushing yards and one touchdown, and Brant Kuithe has a team high 16 receptions for 122 yards. Defensively, the Utes are allowing 27.0 points and 350.7 yards, 246.0 passing and 104.7 rushing.
Four games into their season, the Colorado offense is averaging 31.8 points per game and 432.0 yards per game, 186.5 through the air and 245.5 on the ground. Jarek Broussard leads the team with 733 rushing yards and three touchdowns, and Dimitri Stanley has a team high 15 receptions for 246 yards and one touchdown. Defensively, the Buffs are allowing 24.3 points and 363.0 yards, 215.0 passing and 148.0 rushing.
[metabet_core_odds_compare query=”ncaaf/colorado” size=”300×250″ site_id=”atsio” css=”float:right; margin-left:10px”]Below is my pick for the Utah Utes at #21 Colorado Buffaloes.
Utah Utes at #21 Colorado Buffaloes (-1.5): O/U 49.5 (-110/-110)
Last time out, Utah hosted the Oregon State Beavers and came away with their first win of the season, a 30-24 triumph. Utah never trailed in this game and led by double-digits most of the game. The Beavers scored 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to make this game same closer than it was. Jake Bentley went 18.27 for 174 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. Ty Jordan exploded on the ground for 167 yards and one touchdown on 27 carries. The Utes defense allowed 335 total yards and forced one Oregon State interception.
Colorado’s unbeaten run continued last weekend with an impressive 24-13 win at the Arizona Wildcats. Arizona jumped out to a 13-0 second quarter lead, but Colorado scored the final 24 points of the game to leave Tucson with the double-digit win. Sam Noyer went 12/19 for 92 yards, zero touchdowns, two interceptions, and added 67 yards and one touchdown on the ground. Ashaad Clayton rushed the ball four times for 24 yards and two touchdowns, but the star of the night was Jarek Broussard who rushed the ball 25 times for 301 yards. Defensively, the Buffs allowed 422 total yards and forced one Arizona interception.
Series History: Utah has won the last three meetings between these two schools, but Colorado still holds a slight 32-31-3 all-time advantage.
CFB Predictions: I like Utah +1.5 to end Colorado’s undefeated season.
2020 CFB Picks Results: 52-29