Wyoming (2-1, 0-0 Mountain West) at Colorado (1-2, 0-1 Big 12)
When/where: 8:15 p.m. Saturday/Folsom Field
TV/Radio: ESPN/KHOW 630 AM
BetMGM Line: CU -13.5, 44.5 over/under
Weather: 56 degrees, clear skies
Series History: CU leads 24-2-1, last meeting was a 24-0 Buffs win in 2009
Three storylines
CU’s QB carousel: Buffs coach Deion Sanders said last week he doesn’t want to play musical chairs at quarterback, but that’s what CU has done so far as no one has grabbed ahold of the job. Transfer Kaidon Slater started the opener against Georgia Tech; Slater, freshman Julian Lewis and redshirt sophomore Ryan Staub played against Delaware, with Staub looking best; then Staub struggled in last week’s loss to Houston. Now, Salter is reportedly back as QB1. A start against Wyoming is a chance for him to get his mojo back.
Containing “Tote”: Cowboys true freshman Samuel “Tote” Harris was a bright spot for Wyoming in its 31-6 loss to Utah last week. Harris rushed for 68 yards and averaged 8.5 yards per carry to earn Mountain West freshman of the week honors as he finished with 105 all-purpose yards. For a Buffs front that struggled to stop the run against its heavyweight opponents so far in Georgia Tech and Houston, CU can’t let Harris break free for big gains or consistently rip off chunk runs that keep the ‘Pokes in the game.
CU run game: Through three games, the Buffs rank 104th out of 134 FBS teams at 124 rushing yards per game. For all the preseason talk about pounding the rock, OC Pat Shurmur’s ground game has yet to back that up. Coastal Carolina transfer Simeon Price has been CU’s best tailback so far, but the Buffs didn’t truly commit to the run last week as CU running backs only got 12 carries. Wyoming linebackers Evan Eller and Brayden Johnson will need to be neutralized for CU to find some rhythm on the ground this week.
Predictions
Kyle Newman, sportswriter: CU 28, Wyoming 24
The Buffs still can’t quite find their offensive rhythm, even as Simeon Price turns in his best game yet in black and gold with over 100 yards rushing. Questions about CU’s tenacity in the trenches persist, especially after the Cowboys hang around deep into the second half, but CU’s skill talent is ultimately the difference and Wyoming can’t generate enough passing to complete a comeback.
Sean Keeler, sports columnist: CU 25, Wyoming 16
Coach Prime’s revolving door at QB1 stops where it started, as Kaidon Salter solidfies his slot on the depth chart by throwing for at least one score while rushing for another. While the Buffs had a rough Friday last week, they had a decent Saturday (while not playing), as Georgia Tech and Delaware both looked good and moved to a combined 5-1. Boulder welcomes ex-Mel Tucker OC Jay Johnson, now calling plays in Laramie, back to town. Rudely.
Matt Schubert, sports editor: CU 23, Wyoming 13
Don’t let the 31-6 final score vs. Utah fool you. This Wyoming defense is legit. Consider this: Through the first 10 quarters of their 2025 schedule, the Pokes had allowed a total of 10 points to the Utes (3), Northern Iowa (7) and Akron (0). Head coach Jay Sawvel’s got something cooking up in Laramie. Don’t be surprised when this game still hangs in the balance going into the fourth quarter.
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