The college football season is in the heart of conference play, with appealing matchups on the schedule every week.
Colorado returns from its bye hoping to turn its season around and continue the momentum gained from its upset win over Iowa State two weekends ago. The Buffaloes, like many teams, are still in the hunt for a bowl game with over a month left in the regular season.
Three of the four Division I college football teams from Colorado are in action this weekend with Air Force having the weekend off. All three Colorado Division I teams that are in action this weekend are underdogs.
Here’s a look at what matchups Colorado Division I college football teams have this week:
Where: Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City
How to watch: ESPN
Records: Utah is 5-2 overall and 2-2 in the Big 12 Conference after its 24-21 loss at BYU on Saturday. Colorado is 3-4 overall and 1-3 in the Big 12 after its 24-17 win vs. Iowa State on Oct. 11.
Line: Utah is between a 12.5 and 13.5-point favorite depending on the sportsbook.
Notes: The Buffaloes got past Iowa State two weekends ago after outscoring the Cyclones, 17-7, in the second half. Colorado quarterback Kaidon Salter finished the game 16/25 passing for 255 yards and two touchdowns. Salter also rushed for 57 yards. Wide receiver Joseph Williams led the Buffaloes with 128 yards and a touchdown and wide receiver Omarion Miller had 82 yards and a touchdown.
Colorado won despite allowing Iowa State to rush for 236 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Abu Sama III led the Cyclones with 177 yards and two scores. Colorado did limit Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht to an interception and no touchdowns.
Utah lost a close contest last weekend against undefeated BYU. Utah quarterback Devon Dampier finished with 244 passing yards, two touchdowns and an interception. The Utes had 102 more yards on offense, but had two turnovers compared to none by BYU.
Last season, Colorado beat Utah, 49-24, in Boulder. However, both teams have different quarterbacks and running backs this season.
Where: War Memorial Stadium, Laramie, Wyoming
How to watch: CBSSN
Records: Wyoming is 3-4 overall and 1-2 in the Mountain West Conference after its 24-21 loss at Air Force on Saturday. Colorado State is 2-5 overall and 1-2 in the Mountain West after its 31-19 loss vs. Hawaii on Saturday.
Line: Wyoming is between a 3.5 and 4.5-point favorite depending on the sportsbook.
Notes: The Rams made a big change after their loss to Hawaii. Colorado State fired head coach Jay Norvell on Sunday after the Rams 2-5 start to the year; he was in his fourth season as head coach. Norvell went 8-5 overall last season and reached a bowl game. He went 18-26 in his time at Colorado State. Defensive coordinator Tyson Summers has been elevated to interim head coach.
Hawaii outscored Colorado State, 24-7, in the first three quarters on Saturday. Hawaii quarterback Micah Alejado finished the game with 301 passing yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Colorado State quarterback Jackson Brousseau finished the game with 176 passing yards and a touchdown.
Wyoming lost a close game to Air Force after leading 7-6 at halftime. The Falcons dominated on the ground with 330 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Cowboys didn’t help their chances by throwing two interceptions.
Where: Nottingham Field, Greeley
How to watch: ESPN+
Records: Northern Colorado is 3-4 overall and 1-2 in the Big Sky Conference after its 40-35 loss at Sacramento State on Saturday. UC Davis is 5-1 overall and 3-0 in the Big Sky after its 45-24 win vs. Northern Arizona on Oct. 11.
Line: No line
Notes: Northern Colorado led after three quarters against Sacramento State, but was outscored 13-7 in the fourth. Bears quarterback Eric Gibson Jr. finished the game 21/33 passing for 321 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions. Sacramento State only had 111 yards passing, but had 323 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
UC Davis will be Northern Colorado’s toughest game of the season. The Aggies’ only loss was to Division I FBS Washington, 70-10, on Sept. 6. UC Davis quarterback Caden Pinnick was incredible in the Aggies’ win over Northern Arizona on Oct. 11. Pinnick finished 25-29 passing for 348 yards and five touchdowns.
Note: The rankings for the Northern Colorado section and its opponents are different than the first three games because Northern Colorado and its opponents are part of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level.
