Game Plan
When the Buffs run
The equation has been pretty simple for the Buffs: The more they run the ball, the better chance they have to win. After last week’s 40-carry, 207-yard effort, CU is now 5-1 in games where it runs the ball 36-plus times. With Alex Fontenot going for 95 or more yards in three of his last four games, the Buffs have a hot hand. The one problem: Lining up opposite CU on Saturday is Utah’s top-ranked run defense (55.9 yards per game). Edge: Utes
When the Buffs pass
If there is one small chink in the Utes’ defensive armor — and we’re talking microscopic — it is their ability to cover top-flight receivers. USC torched the Utah secondary in its lone loss this season by repeatedly beating single coverage with its array of talented pass catchers. The Buffs have a few of those (hello, Viska). If QB Steven Montez can avoid mistakes — CU is 2-4 in games he throws an interception — the Buffs could burn Utah for big plays. Edge: Utes
When the Utes run
Much like CU, nothing pleases Utah coach Kyle Whittingham more than controlling the ball with a physical ground game. And what a pleasing season it’s been for the 15th-year Utah coach. The Utes bring the Pac-12’s top run game (215.3 yards per game) into Saturday’s game and a bruising back in Zack Moss who has run for 99-plus yards in six consecutive games. A tall order for a CU defense coming off its best game of the fall (32 yards allowed vs. Washington). Edge: Utes
When the Utes pass
Tyler Huntley doesn’t receive the same NFL draft hype as some of his Pac-12 counterparts, but there might not be a better QB in the conference. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound senior has completed 75% of his passes (174 of 232) for 2,608 yards, 14 TDs and just two interceptions. What the Utes lack in high-end receiving talent, they more than make up for in depth. If CU is going to have a chance, its pass rush must continue to get home (11 sacks in last four games). Edge: Utes
Special teams
The third phase of the game has long been a notable strong suit for the Utes. Yet with the graduation of both their punter and kicker last year, things have taken a slight step back. That’s not to say kicker Jadon Redding is a slouch (8 of 11 on field goals). CU’s Evan Price remains perfect since taking over placekicking duties in November (5 of 5) and is 9 of 10 on field goals for his college career. Edge: Buffs
Three things to watch
1. Bowl bid
For the third year in a row, the CU Buffs find themselves a win away from bowl eligibility going into their regular-season finale. A year ago, they lost at Cal 33-21. A year before that, Utah blew them out 34-13. A win Saturday would erase all those bad memories for a program that’s gone bowling just once in the past 11 seasons.
2. Shutout streak
The last time the Utes gave up a touchdown at Rice-Eccles Stadium? Sept. 28… against the Washington State Cougars… in the first quarter. For those not counting at home, that’s 15 consecutive quarters visitors have been held without a touchdown.
3. Happy trails Viska?
Could this be the last we see of Laviska Shenault? The Buffs’ junior receiver is projected to be a first-round NFL draft pick by multiple outlets. And when asked about that possibility earlier this week, he responded, “We’ll see.”
Predicting Friday’s game
Mark Kiszla: Utes 31, Buffs 17
Utah is the football team the Buffs wanna be when they grow up.
Sean Keeler: Utes 34, Buffs 10
With 20-degree weather and snow expected, it’s a frozen-tundra game: run, grind, run some more and play angry — something CU has excelled at. Trouble is, Utah does it better. And angrier.
Matt Schubert: Utes 34, Buffs 17
The Buffs don’t get the bowl bid they were looking for, but the Utes don’t get the resume-building blowout they need.