Guidance, predictions, storylines

Cincinnati (5-2, 3-1 Big 12) at Colorado (5-2, 3-1)

When/Where: 8:15 p.m. Saturday, Folsom Field

TV/Radio: ESPN/850 AM

BetMGM line: CU -5.5, 57.5 O/U

Weather: 51 degrees and slightly windy at kickoff

Series history: CU won the only meet in Boulder in 1972, 56-14

Three storylines

The impact of Travis Hunter: After the Buffs' two-way star left the Kansas State game with a reported shoulder injury and was limited to the first half of last week's win over Arizona, Deion Sanders said Hunter was feeling “a lot better.” It's still unclear whether he'll replenish his Heisman resume. Because he played injured last week in Arizona, he was limited to two catches for 17 yards. That means LaJohntay Wester (eight catches for 127 yards in Tucson) will likely continue to serve as standout pass catchers alongside Will Sheppard. Jimmy Horn Jr., who also was injured in the K-State loss, had just two catches last week.

Positions available: The Buffs and Bearcats are currently locked in a four-way battle for third place in the Big 12 standings, behind undefeated BYU and Iowa State. If the Buffs can top the table, a spot in the conference championship game awaits. A win over Cincinnati would be a boon toward that goal considering how the schedule opens up. After next week's trip to Texas Tech, the Buffs' three remaining opponents are a combined 2-10 in the Big 12. Meanwhile, the Buffs need either BYU or ISU to stumble, and the Cyclones have a much tougher stretch run .

CU's defense: Robert Livingston's unity is one of the main reasons the Buffs are exceeding experts' expectations. CU leads the Big 12 in red zone defense (17 points allowed on 25 chances) and the Buffs have 13 takeaways. The defensive front has proven itself in recent weeks, with 16 sacks in the last three games, giving the Buffs a Big-12 best 21 of the season. That sustained pressure will be huge against a Bearcats offense led by dual-threat quarterback Brendan Sorsby and running backs Corey Kiner and Evan Pryor, the latter of whom can score big runs.

Predictions

Kyle Newman, sports journalist: CU 31, Cincinnati 21

It might be time to believe this Buffs team can go to the Big 12 title game on December 7th in Arlington. Travis Hunter made an impressive TD catch in the first quarter to take control of the game early. Shedeur Sanders, well protected at the top, puts up another big stat line and fights for a few key first downs. And the defense did the rest, limiting the Bearcats to one point in the second half as CU totaled five sacks while Hunter's interception in the fourth quarter sealed the win.