Colorado's defense returns from its bye Saturday to face No. 11 Utah, which ranks ninth nationally in total offense, averaging 502 yards per game.
The Utes enter Folsom Field at 5-0 overall and 2-0 in Big 12 play following a 41-24 victory over Kansas. Colorado is 2-3 and 0-2, seeking its first conference win after three consecutive losses. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. MT on ESPN.
Tale of the tape
| Category | Colorado defense | Utah offense |
|---|---|---|
| Points per game | 25.4 allowed | 42.8 |
| Total yards per game | 347.0 allowed | 502.0 |
Devon Dampier and Wayshawn Parker lead Utah
Dampier has completed 71.8% of his passes for 1,134 yards and 12 touchdowns. His 171.6 passing-efficiency rating ranks second in the Big 12, and his running ability adds another assignment for Colorado's linebackers.
Parker has rushed for more than 170 yards in consecutive games, finishing with 174 against Iowa State and 171 against Kansas. He has scored 11 total touchdowns, including seven rushing and four receiving. Colorado has not allowed an individual 100-yard rushing performance this season.
Utah's offensive line earned Big 12 weekly honors after helping produce 545 yards against Kansas, including a season-high 31 first downs.
Colorado needs production from its defensive front
Santana Hopper recorded 10 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and five quarterback hurries against Texas Tech. He leads Colorado with 9.5 tackles for loss and has recorded at least a share of one in every game.
Lamont Lester Jr., who has four sacks, remained questionable on Thursday's injury report after missing the Texas Tech game. His availability would affect Colorado's options against an offense that has scored a touchdown on its opening possession in every game this season.
Colorado recorded a season-high 12 tackles for loss against Texas Tech. Repeating that disruption would help Chris Marve's defense create longer-yardage situations against Utah.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Can Colorado's defense slow down an elite Utah offense in Week 7