Colorado is feeling the pinch without Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders. The team had already lowered expectations after losing CFB’s most electric duo, and now after 4 games, the Buffs are still searching for consistency. They’ve flipped between wins and losses against Delaware, Georgia Tech, Houston, and Wyoming. And the challenges keep coming: Saturday night brings a tough test against undefeated BYU. So, the big question is whether the team is at full strength? Not quite. The injury list still remains. But the pregame update brings some relief for Deion Sanders.

Colorado enters the BYU game with a slimmer injury list than last week: 14 players out, compared to 21 previously. Key names are missing, including CB RJ Johnson, S Terrance Love, CB Noah King, RB DeKalon Taylor, and OL Phillip Houston. But that’s not all; defensive standouts Samuel Okunlola, Tawfiq Thomas, and Gavriel Lightfoot are also sidelined. Then DT Anquin Barnes Jr. is out for the first half, while OL Mana Taimani and WR Terrell Timmons Jr. are game-time decisions. So, the Buffs are banged up, but the team is ready to fight through it. Now, the important question: Is the opposition at its peak?

BYU’s injury report brings good news for Kalani Sitake. Last week, 10 players were sidelined. This week, just four remain out. Key names include CB Jonathan Kabeya, WR Jojo Phillips, RB Sione Moa, and LB Choé Bryant-Strother. That’s a huge relief for the Cougars as they get set to face Colorado, with last year’s bowl game still fresh in mind.

So, this is more than an early-season game; it’s a rematch of last year’s Alamo Bowl, when the Cougars crushed the Buffs 36-14. Even this season, BYU has been sharp in non-conference play, blowing out Stanford, Portland State, and East Carolina. Freshman QB Bear Bachmeier has thrown for 518 yards without an interception, while LJ Martin leads a bruising ground attack. That means the Cougars play fast and spread the ball around. But despite being uneven, Colorado can strike at any moment.

QB Kaidon Salter gives the Buffs life, passing for 565 yards and rushing for 153 more. Just like that, the running game is balanced, with Salter, Simeon Price, and Micah Welch all contributing. Together, they’ve combined for nearly 300 yards and TDs, with Dekalon Taylor adding depth. But this clash comes down to precision versus explosiveness. Now, BYU executes cleanly and avoids mistakes, while Colorado thrives on big plays but can be inconsistent. However, the real eye-catcher? Colorado’s new hype video.

Colorado’s move ahead of the BYU game

The Buffs are ready to make a statement at home against BYU. As they’re hungry to prove themselves in Big 12 play. To set the tone, Colorado dropped a hype video ahead of the matchup, showcasing big plays and signaling they’re ready to shock the Cougars. While the hype video centers on defying expectations, it highlights standout moments from the Wyoming game. Like Sincere Brown’s 68-yard TD sprint and a game-changing stop by freshman DE London Merritt. Now, while the clips set the stage for the Buffs’ mindset, the offense is ready to roar.

Against Wyoming, Salter went 18-of-28 for 304 yards, while also rushing 11 times. Then Brown is emerging as a top target, already leading the team with 203 receiving yards. To cap it off, RBs Simeon Price and Micah Welch add balance to the ground game, making Colorado’s offense versatile and dangerous. But the Buffs’ defense will need to set the tone early. Why?

Shutting down BYU’s run and forcing Bachmeier to throw is key. Now, with a packed Folsom Field roaring behind them, Colorado looks to quiet the doubters and pull off a huge upset. Kickoff is 8:15 p.m. MT; let the showdown begin!