The University of Arizona football team (4-3, 1-3 in Big 12) plays against the University of Colorado Boulder on Saturday, Nov. 1, at Folsom Field. This will be the second straight road game for Arizona. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. MST.
Colorado holds the series advantage with a 17-10 record against Arizona. Since becoming conference opponents, Arizona have taken control of the matchup, winning nine of the last 14 meetings. Arizona has played well at Folsom Field, winning in five of its last six trips to Boulder. Both teams look to rebound following road losses, with Arizona falling 31-28 against the University of Houston and Colorado getting blown out by University of Utah 53-7.
Colorado so far
This season has been one of the worst in the Deion Sanders era posting a 3-5 overall record and 1-4 in conference play. Colorado has been terrible defensively, giving up 427.6 yards per game, which ranks 121st in the country. Stopping the run has been Colorado’s biggest problem, giving up 203.4 yards on the ground per game.
Through the air they are not much better, allowing 203.4 yards per game. That number would be higher if teams didn’t resort to a run-heavy approach against Colorado. Teams have had success building early leads against the Buffaloes, which leads them to run the ball frequently to slow down the game and chew clock.
Offensively, Colorado has been missing former quarterback Shedeur Sanders and wide receiver Travis Hunter, both of whom were drafted in this year’s NFL Draft. Colorado has posted some of its worst numbers under head coach Sanders. Colorado ranks outside the top 100 in total yards, passing yards and points per game. A big reason for their struggles offensively has been their inability to find consistency at the quarterback position. Colorado has given opportunities to three different quarterbacks this season, and have settled on Kaidon Salter. Salter has struggled with turnovers this year in Big 12 play. He has turned the ball over five times in the past four games. Although Salter is an inconsistent passer, he is good at escaping pressure and making plays with his legs. He has rushed for 266 yards and scored 5 touchdowns so far this season.
Arizona so far
The Wildcats have struggled recently, losing three of their last four games. It’s important to note that all three losses have come against three of the best Big 12 teams, Iowa State University, BYU and Houston. Two of those losses were on the road, which makes this game a chance to prove Arizona can still compete away from Arizona Stadium.
Quarterback Noah Fifita has bounced back after a bad season last year. He has posted a better completion percentage, touchdown to interception ratio and quarterback ratings. Javin Whatley has been the Wildcats’ best offensive weapon, racking up 32 receptions for 370 yards. Ismail Mahdi has played well as the lead running back, however his usage has gone down the past two games with the emergence of Kedrick Reescano. Reescano has combined for 24 carries over the last two games. After going for 90 yards against BYU, Reescano was held in check by Houston only rushing for 32 yards.
Defensively, Arizona has been one of the best units in the Big 12. The Wildcats rank inside the top 20 in total yards and passing yards. However, Arizona has struggled in its past two outings. The defense surrendered 27 points to BYU and 31 to Houston, well above its season average of 20.3 points per game. A big reason for this has been the defense’s vulnerability to big plays. Both BYU and Houston each scored on touchdown passes exceeding 50 yards. The defense will look to bounce back this weekend.
Keys to the game
For Colorado, the focus will be establishing the run game. If they are forced into a lot of third and longs, they will struggle against a great pass defense. Defensively, Colorado has to bounce back after surrendering 53 points to Utah. Getting pressure on Fifita and limiting big plays will allow Colorado to keep the game competitive.
After a poor rushing performance against Houston, Arizona must establish the run game and take pressure off Fifita. If they maintain balance on offense, they will be able to create explosive plays against a vulnerable defense. Defensively, expect Arizona to bounce back after two straight poor performances. Colorado’s offense struggles when it’s pushed into second-and-long and third-and-long situations. Arizona needs to be disciplined on first down and take away the run game early. If Colorado is playing behind the sticks, Salter’s inaccuracy and its protection issues along the offensive line will be exposed.
Prediction
This is a great matchup for Arizona. Colorado struggles moving the ball offensively, and Arizona is hungry to bounce back after their recent struggles. Expect Arizona’s defense to dominate this game and force at least one turnover. Offensively, if the Wildcats limit turnovers they should have no problem moving the ball against a weak Colorado defense. Mahdi and Reescano will lead the charge for the Wildcats on the ground and take the pressure off Fifita. An explosive running attack will get Arizona back in the win column.
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