When the Buffs run
The equation has been pretty simple for the Buffs: The more they run the ball, the better chance they have to win. After last week’s 40-carry, 207-yard effort, CU is now 5-1 in games where it runs the ball 36-plus times. With Alex Fontenot going for 95 or more yards in three of his last four games, the Buffs have a hot hand. The one problem: Lining up opposite CU on Saturday is Utah’s top-ranked run defense (55.9 yards per game). Edge: Utes
When the Buffs pass
If there is one small chink in the Utes’ defensive armor — and we’re talking microscopic — it is their ability to cover top-flight receivers.