The undefeated BYU Cougars (3-0) bring their nationally top-ranked defense to Boulder to face the Colorado Buffaloes (2-2) in a pivotal Big 12 showdown on Saturday night.
BYU has steamrolled opponents with a near-impenetrable defense and a powerful rushing attack, while Colorado hopes to defend its home turf and prove it can hang with one of college football’s elite teams. The Buffaloes have been solid at home this year, sporting a 2-1 record in Boulder, but they’ll need to be sharper on both sides of the ball to keep pace with a Cougars squad that has outscored opponents by an eye-popping 130-16 margin so far.
BYU enters this game averaging an impressive 43.3 points per game, powered largely by the nation’s 7th-ranked rushing offense, which racks up 265.7 yards per game on the ground. Their defense is equally dominant, ranked 2nd nationally in total defense and 1st in scoring defense, allowing just 5.3 points per game. This combination has made BYU one of the toughest teams to score against this season.
Colorado, meanwhile, is averaging 27 points per game. Their offense is more balanced, led by dual-threat quarterback Kaidon Salter, who has passed for 565 yards with 4 touchdowns and added 3 rushing touchdowns himself. However, the Buffaloes’ defense has struggled, allowing over 400 yards per game, particularly vulnerable to rushing attacks — a clear mismatch against BYU’s ground game.
Key Stat Comparison
Total Offense (YPG)
BYU: 452 (33rd), Colorado 375 (83rd)
Rushing Offense (YPG)
BYU: 265.7 (7th), Colorado: 141.3 (90th)
Scoring Offense (PPG)
BYU: 43.3 (17th), Colorado: 27.0 (83rd)
Total Defense (YPG)
BYU: 205.3 (2nd), Colorado: 409.3 (112th)
Scoring Defense (PPG)
BYU: 5.3 (1st), Colorado: 22.5 (66th)
These stats highlight a critical battle on both lines of scrimmage, with Colorado’s offense facing its toughest challenge of the season trying to break through BYU’s suffocating defense.
Players to Watch
Colorado
Kaidon Salter (QB): A dynamic playmaker completing 66.7% of his passes, Salter leads Colorado with 4 passing touchdowns and 3 rushing scores, giving the Buffaloes a dual-threat edge.
Sincere Brown (WR): The deep threat who has racked up 203 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns on just 7 catches.
BYU
Bear Bachmeier (QB): Efficient and poised, Bachmeier has thrown for 518 yards and 4 touchdowns without an interception.
LJ Martin (RB): BYU’s workhorse, who has rushed for 342 yards, averaging over 8 yards per carry.
Chase Roberts (WR): The leading receiver with 185 yards and a touchdown on 11 receptions.
Recent performances and momentum
Last week, Colorado pulled off a 37-20 win over Wyoming. Salter shined with 304 passing yards and 3 touchdowns while also rushing for 86 yards and a score. This game showed Colorado’s offensive potential but also highlighted defensive weaknesses. BYU cruised to a 34-13 victory over East Carolina, with Bachmeier throwing for 246 yards and a touchdown and Martin rushing for 101 yards.
The Cougars’ defense allowed just 13 points, reinforcing their reputation as one of the country’s stingiest units. Series History and Stakes The teams have met just three times prior, with Colorado holding a 2-1 edge in the series. Their last meeting was in 1988, a 45-28 Colorado win. Now, after more than three decades, these rivals meet again with Big 12 standings and postseason positioning on the line.
For BYU, a win would maintain their perfect record and reinforce their status as a conference powerhouse. For Colorado, it’s a chance to defend their home field, build momentum, and prove they can compete with one of college football’s top defenses.
What to Watch
Colorado must find a way to score against BYU’s suffocating defense while containing the Cougars’ dominant rushing attack.
BYU will look to control the clock and force Colorado into mistakes, capitalizing on their superior turnover margin and disciplined play.
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