DENVER (KDVR) — The University of Colorado Boulder football team got a much-needed and well-deserved week of rest after its biggest win of the season against No. 22 Iowa State on Oct. 11.
The Buffs return to action on Saturday against conference foe from neighboring Colorado State, the University of Utah.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Buffs’ Week 8 matchup against the University of Utah.
How to watch CU in Utah
The Buffs are on their way to a quick stop in Utah, where the mountains and climate should provide a familiar environment.
If you don’t make the trip to Utah, here’s how to watch the game on TV.
- Kick-off: 8:15 pm Mecca time.
- channel: espn
Kick-off against Utah will be at 8:15pm local time on Saturday, October 25.
CU tickets in Utah
As far as road games go, Utah State is close. If you want to make the trip west, tickets are still available.
Ticket manager He has tickets for just under $100, starting at $99.45. SeatGeek It comes in at about $15 cheaper, and tickets start at $83.
Essential Things to Know for CU in Utah
Losing makes big 12 dreams less likely
Things are already looking bleak for CU in the Big 12 this season, but a loss would put them in nearly impossible odds territory.
Currently 1-3 in Big 12 play, a loss would see the Buffs drop to 1-4, meaning they would have to win to get above .500 after playing all nine Big 12 games.
Undefeated teams like BYU and Cincinnati are the most likely to reach the Big 12 Tournament, but CU still has a mathematical chance right now, even if the odds are slim to none.
Last year, CU was in a four-way tie atop the Big 12, with a 7-2 record, but failed to reach the championship game.
Amateurs make it count
CU has been a nightmare in the red zone for other teams this season.
After the game against Iowa State, the Buffs converted points on all three trips into the red zone – two touchdowns and one field goal.
This brings the red zone conversion rate to a killer level of 0.889. They’ve only failed to score on two red zone trips this year, kicking 16 of their 18. What’s even more impressive is that only three of those conversions were field goals; The other 13 were all touchdowns.
If the team can figure out how to get into the red zone repeatedly, they will be able to showcase their killer instinct.
Another issue the team faces is learning how to prevent other teams from being as effective in the red zone. Opposing teams converted on 21 of 26 attempts when reaching the Buffs’ red zone.
Not the first, and certainly not the last
This is not a one-time game.
CU and Utah are very familiar foes with an almost identical record in their fiery rivalry.
The next match will be the 72nd meeting between the two teams. Utah holds a small advantage in the series with a 35-33-3 record against the Buffs.
If recent history is anything to go by, the Buffs should feel confident about their chances, having crushed Utah 49-24 last year.