No. 17 Colorado tracks on a clear path to the Big 12 Championship Game and a potential spot in the College Football Playoff, while Utah strives to play spoiler when the teams square off Saturday afternoon in Boulder, Colo.
A three-game winning streak has the Buffaloes (7-2, 5-1 Big 12) in second place in the Big 12 and the subject of additional national media attention. The Buffaloes boast an explosive offense led by Shedeur Sanders, two-way star Travis Hunter, wide receiver LaJohntay Wester, and a defense that has become more physical throughout the season.
But the success is all outside noise for Colorado coach Deion Sanders, who said he’s focused on the next game and not looking back at how the Buffaloes overpowered Texas Tech last week in a 41-27 victory. The defense racked up seven sacks, 11 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries — including Shilo Sanders’ fumble recovery for a touchdown to ice the game — and an interception.
“I never take a step back,” Deion Sanders said. “I take a step up. I always have my head out the window and want to see around the corner.”
Because Jimmy Horn Jr. didn’t play after he suffered a lower-body injury in the first half against the Red Raiders, Deion Sanders said he won’t know the status of the senior wide receiver until he practices this week. Horn has 33 catches for 434 yards and a touchdown for an average of 13.2 yards per reception,
“It’s going to be day-by-day,” Deion Sanders said. “We hope he’s able to work Thursday. If he gives us a good Thursday and Friday, then he’s a go.”
Utah (4-5, 1-5) finds itself in an unfamiliar position near the bottom of its conference standings. The Utes moved to the Big 12 in August but were perennial Pac-12 contenders. An injury to seventh-year senior quarterback Cam Rising, who is out for the season, has Utah in danger of missing a bowl game.
But the Utes looked plenty dangerous in pushing No. 6-ranked BYU to the brink last week.
Freshman quarterback Isaac Wilson is questionable with an injury and sophomore Brandon Rose got his first career start in the Utes’ 22-21 loss to archrival and Big 12 leader BYU in the “Holy War.”
“Our plan was to keep Cam healthy,” Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said. “We didn’t expect Brandon or Isaac to be thrust into the position they have been in, but that’s how things played out. Given the environment and circumstances and everything he was up against Brandon did an admirable job.”
Despite their record, Deion Sanders said Colorado can’t overlook Utah. He said Whittingham was a “pillar of the Pac-12 and Big 12.” He added he wished he could “accomplish a portion” of what the Utes’ coach, who has been at the school 31 years and head coach for 20 years, has done.
“They haven’t quit, they are still tough, aggressive and stout defensively,” Deion Sanders said. “They can still do some things that force you into some looks. You cannot take this team lightly; I don’t care what their record is. As long as (Whittingham) is over there on that sideline, you better be prepared for a tough game.”
