CFB Week 12 Utah vs. Colorado: Predictions, predictions and best bets

The FOX Big Noon Kickoff will be in Boulder this weekend for the marquee college football matchup between Colorado and Utah. The Buffaloes (7-2), who have won six of their last seven games, are making an unlikely push for the Big 12 title.

The Utes were preseason favorites to win the conference until injuries to key players resulted in a 4-5 record. But Utah’s defense is no joke and could cause an upset.

Sports betting expects Colorado to win by two positions, and I have two best bets for the must-see matchup early in Week 12.

CFB Week 12 Utah – Colorado predictions and best bets

• Colorado -11.5: -110 odds at BetMGM
• Isaiah Augustave under 41.5 rushing yards: -114 odds on FanDuel

*Notes: Odds are based on the best found by our experts as of the date of publication; Check the lineups close to game time to make sure you’re getting the best odds.

This is a two-team race in the Big 12. Colorado and BYU have clear paths to the conference championship game, and a victory there locks in a spot in the standings. College Football Playoff.

The Buffaloes have a lot at stake, and the Utes have lost five straight games for the first time since 2013. The defeats weren’t blowouts, which might actually be more demoralizing to come so close to victory and fail.

Utah’s loss to BYU last week must have been especially grueling. The Utes led 21-10 at halftime, but scored zero points in the second half and lost by one point in the final seconds.

TeamRankings reports Colorado is 7-2 against the spread (ATS) in seven straight games. Utah is 3-6 ATS and 1-3 on the road.

Colorado RB Isaiah Augustave’s rushing prop is another bet I’m highlighting. The Buffaloes’ 78 yards per game is second-worst in the FBS, and Augustave has dropped below 41.5 yards in six of eight games.

The Utes’ defense is top notch and Colorado will likely rely on QB Shedeur Sanders to win the game. That’s the typical offensive game plan for the Buffs, as Sanders has the ninth-most pass attempts among power conference QBs.

Utah-Colorado money line odds analysis

Why could Colorado win as the favorite?

Best odds: -410 on DraftKings

There will be a clash of styles on Saturday at Folsom Field.

Utah’s defense is outstanding, but its offense leaves Utes fans wanting more. While the Buffaloes’ defense has improved, the opposite is true for Colorado. Colorado leads the Big 12 with 29 sacks and is surrendering 23 points per game.

Utah’s defense is strong, but it has been difficult to prevent big plays.

The Utes allowed 43 plays of 20-plus yards and the Buffaloes’ offense had 45 explosive plays. If WR/CB Travis Hunter has another Heisman-worthy performance, Utah’s offense doesn’t have the firepower to keep up.

The Utes have the second-lowest total yards average in the Big 12 and have held to 21 points or fewer in five straight games.

Why can Utah win as an underdog?

Best odds: +350 at bet365

Utah’s defense will arguably be the toughest matchup Colorado will face this season. The unit needs to be perfect because the Utes’ offense can’t keep up with a high-scoring game.

If the Buffaloes can’t light up the scoreboard, there appears to be only one path to victory for the Utes.

Limiting offensive turnovers is the first step. Utah QBs have thrown the most interceptions in the Big 12, and the Sanders-Hunter combination will certainly benefit from advantageous field position.

The second step is to force long and fast-paced attacking positions. This would limit Colorado’s holdings and keep Sanders and Co. out of rhythm.