California (4-4, 1-4 Pac-12) at Colorado (4-4, 1-4)
When: Noon Saturday
Where: Folsom Field
TV: Pac-12 Network
Radio: KOA-AM 850
Tickets: General admission tickets are available as low as $60 at cubuffs.com.
Weather: The forecast calls for 41 degrees and partly cloudy with winds out of the southeast.
Coaches: (24-44 at CU, fifth season). Justin Wilcox (4-4, first season).
Betting info: Colorado is favored by 3 1/2 points. The over/under is set at 51 1/2.
Opponent spotlight: California was outlasted in double overtime against Arizona last week, but pulled out a stunning 37-3 win against in its previous game.
Three story lines
1. Quarterback quandary. CU coach Mike MacIntyre opened up the competition for the starting quarterback between and with the winner announced on the Buffaloes’ first possession Saturday. Odds are Montez keeps the job, but with a short leash, as CU aims to maximize its offensive potential. Making Montez prove why he’s the starter might provide the spark the Buffaloes have been searching for.
2. Secure the football. California’s defense has been rejuvenated under first-year head coach Justin Wilcox. The Golden Bears lead the nation in turnovers gained (21) with 13 interceptions and eight fumble recoveries. Their three defensive touchdowns are also tied atop the Pac-12. CU must play fundamentally sound with quality decision making to keep the California defense at bay.
3. Remembering Rashaan. CU will honor the program’s lone Heisman Trophy winner, former tailback Rashaan Salaam (1992-94), with the retirement of his No. 19 uniform in a ceremony planned between the first and second quarter. It will be a somber event as well after Salaam committed suicide last December in a Boulder park. Former teammates and family members are expected to be in attendance to honor Salaam’s memory.