Arizona and Colorado face off in first meeting as Big 12 members
Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) catches a pass as Central Florida defensive back Brandon Adams (0) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. Credit: AP/Phelan M. Ebenhack
Colorado (4-2, 2-1 Big 12) at Arizona (3-3, 1-2), Saturday, 4 p.m. ET (Fox)
BetMGM College Football Odds: Arizona by 3 1/2
Series record: Colorado leads 16-10.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Two former Pac-12 members meet for the first time since moving to the Big 12. Both are coming off losses. Colorado lost 31-28 to Kansas State on a late touchdown pass in a game that left the Buffaloes banged up, particularly at receiver. The good news: two-way player Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr. are expected to play, though fellow receivers Omarion Miller and Terrell Timmons Jr. are out indefinitely. Arizona returns home after losing two straight — a close loss to Texas Tech and a 41-19 blowout at No. 13 BYU after turning it over four times.
KEY MATCHUP
Hunter vs. Arizona receiver Tetairoa McMillan. Hunter has become a Heisman Trophy favorite by starring on both sides of the ball. Defensively, he may not directly line up against McMillan every play, but will be part of the game plan to slow Arizona's preseason All-American. McMillan leads the Big 12 with 42 catches and is third in the FBS with 742 yards with four touchdowns despite facing extra scrutiny from the defense every game. Hunter is expected to play despite injuring his shoulder in the first half against Kansas State.
Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita (11) avoids stepping out of the end zone during an NCAA college football game against BYU, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in Provo, Utah. Credit: AP/Tyler Tate
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Colorado: S Shilo Sanders. The son of coach Deion Sanders returned last week after missing three games with a broken forearm, but had what he called the “worst game of my life” in the loss to Kansas State. Sanders' father agreed Shilo was rusty in his return and the Buffaloes will need a big bounce back as they try to slow Arizona's explosive offense.
Arizona: QB Noah Fifita. Fifita had a breakout season after Jayden de Laura went down with an injury last season, but has been up and down this year. The sophomore has thrown for 1,636 yards, but has more interceptions (9) than touchdown passes (8). His completion percentage is also down from last year at 58.5.
FACTS & FIGURES
Colorado had minus-29 yards rushing against Kansas State, fewest in program history. The Buffaloes also gave up six sacks. ... Arizona DL Tre Smith is tied for third nationally in quarterback hurries with 19. ... Buffaloes QB Shedeur Sanders is fourth nationally with 2,018 yards passing. ... Arizona is 14th nationally in sacks allowed with six.
