How does a team adapt when key playmakers are suddenly sidelined by injuries? We may find out on Saturday, as the Colorado Buffaloes could face the Arizona Wildcats without Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr.
However, the latest update seems promising, and both stars could be present in the lineup. How does that change our Colorado vs. Arizona prediction?
Colorado vs. Arizona Betting Preview
All Colorado vs. Arizona odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. The CFN Spread comes from College Football Network’s Football Playoff Meter.
- CFN FPM Spread
Arizona -7 - Spread
Arizona -2.5 - Moneyline
Arizona -130, Colorado +110 - Over/Under
58 points - Game Time
Oct. 19, 4 p.m. ET - Location
Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ari. - Predicted Weather at Kick
71 degrees, sunny, 6 mph winds - How To Watch
Fox
The CFN Football Playoff Meter and Vegas spread differ slightly, but both favor the Wildcats. This line opened at Arizona -3 and had ticked up since Sunday. It stopped and went back below a field goal on Friday.
MORE: CFN Betting Parlay Calculator
The total is set at 58 points, indicative of the offensive firepower in this one. With a spread of 2.5 points, the implied final score is close to 30-27 in favor of the Wildcats.
Colorado’s Winning Probability
Per the FPM, the Buffaloes could exceed expectations. Colorado has a 28.4% chance to win the game, per the metric, translating to an implied spread of about seven points.
This is Colorado’s hardest remaining game, but there aren’t any guaranteed wins either. Here are Colorado’s winning probabilities for the rest of the season:
- at Arizona: 28.4%
- vs. Cincinnati: 63.6%
- at Texas Tech: 34.3%
- vs. Utah: 35.9%
- at Kansas: 53.4%
- vs. Oklahoma State: 50.4%
Arizona’s Winning Probability
FPM thinks Arizona could win several of its remaining games. The Wildcats have a 71.6% chance to win the game, per FPM, their second-easiest remaining game on the schedule. They’re favored in every remaining game.
Here are the Wildcats’ winning probabilities for the rest of the season:
- vs. Colorado: 71.6%
- vs. West Virginia: 58.9%
- at UCF: 64.6%
- vs. Houston: 88.3%
- at TCU: 61.9%
- vs. Arizona State: 66.4%
Prediction for Colorado vs. Arizona
Consider this scenario: If Hunter is out, Colorado would be missing its top receiver while already missing its second option. It would also be down its best cornerback against the one opponent where it needs him the most.
I’ve previously mentioned that Hunter’s impact on the spread is worth about six points, but in this particular matchup, it could be closer to eight or nine.
In a game featuring solid teams with a handful of standout players, Hunter’s health is pivotal.
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With Hunter in the lineup, I’d lean toward Colorado. Given the current information, it appears he may be ready to go in this one, but how effective will he be given a shoulder injury for a player that needs his full extension to make his full impact?
Hunter’s availability is even more critical as he’s among the nation’s top receivers, and his absence would significantly hinder the Buffaloes’ offense. But this Arizona team is arguably the most one-dimensional passing team in the country.
If healthy, Hunter would likely shadow Tetairoa McMillan in a showdown of future first-round talents, aiming to stifle a passing game that leans heavily on its star playmaker.
My concern lies less with Shedeur Sanders’ ability to generate offense and more with Colorado’s ability to contain McMillan if Hunter cannot go or be his full self.
Colorado’s defense, though improved, needs Hunter to execute its preferred coverage strategy.
If Hunter is indeed out, expect a big day from Noah Fifita and McMillan. If he plays, go Colorado by a slim margin.
Prediction: Colorado 30, Arizona 28
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