November 15, 2024 12: 27 pm MT
The conference may be different this year, but I’m still pumped for Saturday’s Rumble in the Rockies. This rivalry with the Utah Utes wasn’t kind to Colorado during its Pac-12 years, but the Buffs have the advantage going into their first meeting as Big 12 foes.
The Utes seem ripe for the picking, especially given the movement of the betting line, but this will be a tough game for CU. Utah still brings its normal style of smashmouth football and the No. 1 defense in the conference to Boulder. Can the Buffs’ improvements in the trenches stand up to the brand of Utah football?
Here are 10 key players to watch in Utah at Colorado:
QB Isaac Wilson
Syndication: The Oklahoman
Isaac Wilson will get another shot to right Utah’s offensive ship. Wilson was benched in favor of Brandon Rose earlier this season, but Rose is now out for the year after suffering an injury last weekend against BYU.
The freshman Wilson has been up and down during his appearances this season. Wilson was the starting QB during Utah’s only conference win over Oklahoma State but has only completed 55% of his passes and thrown eight interceptions to eight touchdown passes.
QB Shedeur Sanders
Syndication: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
Shedeur Sanders has been special in 2024. He leads the conference in most passing categories and has been named a semifinalist for the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award. Utah comes into this game with the second-best passing defense in the Big 12, so Sanders must bring his best to move the ball on the Utes.
RB Micah Bernard
Syndication: Arizona Republic
Utah’s offense is built on the running game, and the Utes possess one of the best running backs in the conference. Micah Bernard runs with a bruising style and often sheds off arm tackles when breaking into the second level. The Utah back has averaged 5.8 yards per carry for 860 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
DT Amari McNeill
Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Amari McNeill had a breakout game against Texas Tech, compiling nine total tackles, three tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. McNeill will see a lot of playing time again if fellow DT Shane Cokes remains injured.
DE Van Fillinger
Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Utah always finds strong defensive linemen, and Van Fillinger is the beast on this year’s team. The 6-foot-4, 265-pounder usually lines up on the left side of the defense and is third in the Big 12 with six sacks.
RT Phillip Houston
Michael Madrid-Imagn Images
Phillip Houston will likely draw the assignment of blocking Fillinger and other pass rushers from that side of Utah’s defensive front. Houston has settled into his role as Colorado’s starting right tackle on an offensive line that has improved its pass protection throughout the season.
C Jaren Kump
Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
Jaren Kump is Utah’s starting center, but he has experience playing all over the offensive line. Kump must ensure his unit is on the same page if Utah wants to slow down the best pass rush in the Big 12.
DL BJ Green II
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Colorado’s leading sack man, BJ Green II lines up everywhere for the Buffs and brings a relentless playing style to the CU defense. Green will get his chances to make big plays against one of the Big 12’s weaker offensive lines.
CB Smith Snowden
Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
Smith Snowden will see a wave of talented receivers thrown his way throughout the game. Snowden won’t be able to take a play off as Shedeur Sanders loves to spread the ball around and keep plays alive if the initial reads break down.
WR/CB Travis Hunter
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What can Travis Hunter do to improve his Heisman odds against Utah’s stifling defense? It may be tough sledding, but expect Hunter to get loose on a few plays.
Defensively, Isaac Wilson likely won’t target Hunter much, but Colorado’s two-way superstar will make his usual immense impact on Saturday’s game.