The college football season is at an interesting time in the season. With a week left in the regular season after this week, most top teams have already had their toughest matchups and are trying to avoid upsets. This includes Colorado. There are a few different groups. The top five to 10 teams are trying to solidify their spot in the College Football Playoff. The next five to 10 teams are trying to win out and have a chance at the College Football Playoff. Everyone else is trying to finish strong to get the best bowl game they can.
Colorado falls into that second group. The Buffaloes are 8-2 overall and tied for first at 6-1 in the Big 12 Conference. Colorado has won four games in a row and should be favored in its final two matchups. If the Buffaloes win out, they will secure a spot in the Big 12 title game. First, Colorado has to beat a trending Kansas team on the road. Here’s a look at what matchups Colorado Division I college football teams have this weekend:
Where: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
How to Watch: FOX
Records: Colorado is 8-2 overall and 6-1 in the Big 12 after beating Utah at home 49-24 last Saturday. Kansas is 4-6 overall and 3-4 in the Big 12 after its 17-13 win at No.14 BYU last Saturday.
Line: Colorado is a 2.5 or 3-point favorite depending on the sportsbook.
Notes: Kansas has won three of its past four games after starting the season 1-5. The Jayhawks beat two ranked teams in the last two weeks: Iowa State was No.17 at the time and BYU was No.6 and undefeated. Kansas’ only loss in the last four weeks was at Kansas State, which was No.16 at the time, 29-27 on Oct. 26. Colorado has won each of its last four games by more than 11 points.
Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders completed 30/41 of his passes for 340 passing yards, three touchdowns and an interception last Saturday against Utah. The Buffaloes had 65 yards rushing as a team and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Will Sheppard had five receptions for 71 yards and two touchdowns for Colorado.
Kansas’ defense forced two turnovers against then-undefeated BYU. The Cougars lost to the Jayhawks despite having 10 more first downs and 112 more total yards.
Where: Mackay Stadium, Reno, Nevada
How to Watch: FS1
Records: Air Force is 3-7 overall and 1-4 in the Mountain West Conference after its 28-0 win over Oregon State last Saturday. Nevada is 3-8 overall and 0-5 in the Mountain West after its 28-21 loss at Boise State last Saturday.
Line: Nevada is a 3.5-point favorite
Notes: Air Force is second last in the Mountain West and Nevada is last. The Falcons currently lead the series 5-2. Air Force won the last game 48-20 in 2022.
Nevada lost to Boise State last Saturday thanks to 209 yards and three touchdowns from Boise State Heisman hopeful Ashton Jeanty. The Wolfpack had 232 passing yards and two touchdowns in the loss.
Air Force had 271 yards and four touchdowns on the ground in its 28-0 win over Oregon State.
Where: Valley Children Stadium, Fresno, California
How to Watch: CBSSN
Records: Colorado State is 7-3 overall and 5-0 in the Mountain West Conference after its 24-10 win at Wyoming last Friday. Fresno State is 5-5 overall and 3-3 in the Mountain West after its 36-28 loss at Air Force on Nov. 9.
Line: Fresno State is a three or a 3.5-point favorite depending on the sportsbook
Notes: Colorado State has won its last five games by at least seven points. Fresno State was on a two-game losing streak before its bye. Colorado State currently leads the series 10-5. Fresno State won the last game 38-17 in 2020.
Fresno State quarterback Mikey Keene had 289 yards passing, three touchdowns and one interception in the loss to Air Force. The Bulldogs had -5 yards rushing in the loss. They allowed 344 yards rushing and three rushing from Air Force.
Colorado State had 446 yards of total offense compared to only 237 yards for Wyoming in last weekend’s matchup. The Rams had 248 yards rushing and a touchdown in the win.
Where: Hillsboro Stadium, Hillsboro, Oregon
How to Watch: ESPN+
Records: Northern Colorado is 1-10 overall and 1-6 in the Big Sky Conference after its 44-3 loss against Northern Arizona at home last Saturday. Portland State is 2-8 overall and 2-5 in the Big Sky Conference after its 28-17 loss at Montana last Saturday.
Line: No line
Notes: Since its win against Weber State on Oct. 12, Northern Colorado has been outscored 170-25. The Bears allowed Northern Arizona to have 535 yards of total offense.
Portland State had 188 yards passing and three interceptions in its loss to Montana. It did have 213 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
