The Big 12’s best rushing attack meets the conference’s second-worst rushing defense.

Colorado will have its hands full this week as it travels west to face Utah on Saturday night (8:15 p.m. ESPN) at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

While the win two weeks ago over then-No. 22 Iowa State was one of the best of the Deion Sanders era, a win this week over an unranked Utes squad would somehow top it. Since the two teams have started playing each other every year in the Pac-12 (and now the Big 12) starting in 2011, the Buffs have gone to Salt Lake City seven times and won just once — and that was in that first meeting in the revived series 14 years ago.

Since, CU has lost its last six meetings at Utah by an average of more than 14 points.

Despite being nearly a two-touchdown underdog once again, Coach Prime and his team feel like this trip could be different.

Here are five story lines to watch:

Devon Dampier’s injury

All eyes will be on No. 4 in red in the buildup to Saturday night’s game. The Utes’ star quarterback remains questionable on the injury report after getting “banged up” last week at BYU. He is the center of the Utah offense, for obvious reasons. He came in from New Mexico this past offseason with offensive coordinator Jason Beck. Dampier is the top rushing quarterback in the Big 12 and is also coming off his most prolific passing performance of 2025. If he can’t go, that means freshman backup Byrd Ficklin will be thrust into the most challenging situation of his young career.

Kaidon Salter’s breakthrough

There is no question about who will be the quarterback on the other sideline, though. Coming off his best performance in Big 12 play, Salter is hoping to lead CU to another upset victory. He and the Buffs’ offense finally got over their second-half struggles two weeks ago against the Cyclones and it was Salter who led the way with his arm and his legs. He’ll be just as important this week against a Utah defense that has struggled against dual-threat quarterbacks this season.

Key Buffs returning

Speaking of injuries, CU has finally got some positive news on that front. A handful of impact players are set to return this week for Coach Prime and company. Versatile wide receiver Dre’lon Miller, senior defensive end Arden Walker and safety Carter Stoutmire are all on track to return after missing the previous game. The same goes for Tawfiq Thomas, who adds to a defensive tackle room that continues to get healthier each week.

Jordan Seaton vs. John Henry Daley

If there’s one matchup to watch Saturday night, it’s the one on the left side of the Buffs’ offensive line where a pair of future NFL players are going to go to battle. CU star left tackle Jordan Seaton has taken another step forward in his sophomore season, but he’ll face his toughest test of the year to date against John Henry Daley, a breakout star for Utah who is top five in the nation in sacks.

Utah linebacker to miss first half

This one isn’t injury related, but the Utes will be without one of their defensive leaders for the first half as linebacker Lander Barton will not be available due to a targeting penalty incurred last week. That’s a big loss for the Utah defense as Barton has found the form he had earlier in his career after injuries derailed his 2024 season. His absence will give Salter and the CU offense a chance to set the tone early like they’ve done in multiple games this season.