Arizona vs. Colorado Prediction, Game Preview

The Colorado Buffaloes (3-3) will be looking for their first Pac-12 win of the year this week against the visiting Arizona Wildcats (4-2). Check out the Arizona vs. Colorado prediction and game preview.

Arizona vs. Colorado Prediction & Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 17
Game Time: 9:00 ET
Network: Fox Sports 1

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Why You Need To Care

It’s midseason, that time of year when jockeying for bowl eligibility begins in earnest. Arizona made a swift recovery last week from back-to-back blowout losses to UCLA and Stanford, routing Oregon State, 44-7. With the toughest portion of the schedule still to come in November, the Wildcats have a chance to amass a tailwind this month. Colorado’s three-game winning streak ended abruptly with the start of Pac-12 play. The Buffs must hold serve in Boulder to have any shot of playing a bonus game in December.

Why Arizona Will Win

This is a different team now that Anu Solomon is healthy and back behind center … obviously. The Wildcats are coming off a rare complete effort, getting balance on offense and stinginess from the D. The Colorado defense has been exposed by better competition, giving up at least 41 points in each of the last two games. Now that Solomon has shaken off some rust and RB Nick Wilson is running well, extending drives won’t be a problem for Arizona.

Why Colorado Will Win

One good effort doesn’t change the narrative regarding the Arizona defense. The Wildcats are banged up and unable to generate a consistent pass rush. When the Buffs were having success earlier in the year, the backs were rolling and taking pressure off QB Sefo Liufau. Against the Wildcats, Colorado will churn out yards on first down, making it easier for Liufau to build a bond with receivers Shay Fields and Nelson Spruce.

Player Who Matters

The Wildcat secondary played real well against the Beavers last week, which Rich Rodriguez needs to become a trend. Arizona allowed OSU quarterbacks to complete just 12-of-35 passes for 98 yards and a pick. SS Will Parks has been playing for an NFL contract all year long, but FS Tellas Jones and CB Paul Magloire are beginning to step up as well.

What’s Going To Happen?

Arizona may not be the same squad that had dreams of a South Division crown not long ago, but it found some mojo last weekend in Tucson. And with Solomon teaming back with Wilson, and the defense playing with an ounce more confidence, the Wildcats will continue the healing this weekend at Folsom Field.