Colorado Buffaloes vs Arizona Wildcats Picks and Predictions November 1st 2025

Game Preview: Arizona vs Colorado

The Arizona Wildcats and Colorado Buffaloes meet Saturday in Boulder, each hoping to regain footing in the Big 12 standings. Both teams are struggling defensively and enter desperate for a win to keep postseason hopes alive.

Arizona (4-3, 1-3 Big 12) comes off a bye week following back-to-back losses to BYU and Houston. The Wildcats have allowed 490 rushing yards combined in those defeats, with opponents consistently controlling time of possession. Colorado (3-5, 1-4) returns home after a 53-7 blowout loss at Utah, extending its losing streak to four.

Folsom Field has provided some stability for the Buffaloes, who are 3-2 at home this season. Arizona, meanwhile, has dropped both of its road games.

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Line Movement and Odds

Oddsmakers opened this matchup near even, with Colorado favored by a field goal at home. Early money leaned slightly toward Arizona, with the total hovering around 63 points — one of the week’s higher numbers given both defenses’ inconsistencies.

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Arizona Wildcats Outlook

The Arizona Wildcats look to stabilize defensively after allowing 258 rushing yards to BYU and 232 to Houston. Their front seven must improve tackling efficiency to avoid another long afternoon against Colorado’s mobile offense.

Quarterback Noah Fifita continues to lead the offense with consistency. The sophomore has completed 65.9% of his passes for 1,829 yards and 17 touchdowns, including a 24-of-26 outing against Houston two weeks ago. Fifita’s poise under pressure remains a strength, though protection has been uneven in recent weeks.

Running back Rayshon Luke and receiver Kevin Green Jr. headline an offense averaging 31.6 points per game. Arizona’s success depends on converting red-zone opportunities against a Colorado defense ranked near the bottom of the FBS.

Arizona Wildcats Injury Report

Noah Fifita (QB) – Probable (Undisclosed)
Seth Mac Kinnon (K) – Questionable (Leg)
Jordan Morgan (OL) – Questionable (Shoulder)
DJ Warnell (S) – Out (Foot)

Colorado Buffaloes Outlook

The Colorado Buffaloes return home aiming to reset after their worst loss of the season, a 53-7 defeat to Utah. Head coach Deion Sanders expressed frustration with execution but emphasized the team’s commitment to improvement ahead of homecoming weekend.

Quarterback Shedeur Sanders continues to produce, throwing for 2,242 yards and 18 touchdowns despite constant pressure behind a struggling offensive line. The Buffaloes rank 119th nationally in total defense (427.6 yards allowed per game) and have given up 30-plus points in six of eight contests.

Running back Dylan Edwards leads Colorado with 487 total yards from scrimmage, while receiver Travis Hunter remains the team’s top weapon, averaging 91 yards per game. Defensive consistency remains elusive, with missed tackles and poor run fits plaguing the front seven.

Colorado Buffaloes Injury Report

Shilo Sanders (S) – Questionable (Shoulder)
Jimmy Horn Jr. (WR) – Probable (Ankle)
Kavosiey Smoke (RB) – Out (Leg)
Travis Hunter (WR/CB) – Probable (Rest)

Key Matchup / Path to Victory

Arizona’s balanced offense faces Colorado’s vulnerable defense in what could become a high-scoring contest. Fifita’s efficiency gives the Wildcats an edge if the offensive line holds up against Colorado’s front. Conversely, Shedeur Sanders must exploit Arizona’s shaky run defense with quick tempo and play-action passing.

The game may hinge on turnovers — both teams struggle defensively but have playmakers capable of flipping momentum. Arizona’s pass protection and Colorado’s tackling discipline will be decisive.

Betting Trends

• Arizona is 5-2 straight up in its last seven games following a loss.
• The Wildcats are 4-1 to the over in their last five Big 12 matchups.
• Colorado is 3-1 ATS at home this season.
• The Buffaloes are 1-4 to the under in their last five games.
• Arizona is 0-2 straight up on the road this year.
• Colorado is 6-2 ATS in its last eight homecoming games.

Prediction

Both teams have defensive concerns, but Arizona’s offensive efficiency and Fifita’s consistency make the Wildcats the more stable side. Expect Colorado to open strong at home, but Arizona’s passing rhythm should take over as the game progresses.

Projected Score: Arizona 34, Colorado 27
Best Bet: Arizona +3
Total Lean: Over 63

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