Five reasons Colorado football will fall short against BYU

Despite being in neighboring states, contests between the No. 24 BYU Cougars and Colorado Buffaloes have been relatively limited throughout history.

Only now, with the two teams as Big 12 rivals, will a trend develop, but so far, the Cougars are 1-0 in the modern era. BYU heads into this one as heavy favorites over the Buffaloes despite going on the road. While there's a chance the Buffaloes shock the Cougars, here's why BYU will continue rolling in Boulder.

Talking LJ and not Lebron James

Cougars' running back LJ Martin hasn't finished a game in 2025 under 100 yards rushing, and with how poor the Buffaloes' run defense has been in 2025, he's likely headed for another century mark. Averaging a staggering 8.6 yards per carry, Martin has shown the ability to read defenses and kill them with his burst of speed. Stopping Martin should be Colorado's number one priority in this one, but I don't think they have the power to stop him.

The haves versus the have-nots

Colorado will be without two of three rotational running backs, DeKalon Taylor and Simeon Price. That leaves Micah Welch and Dallan Hayden to attack the Cougars' front-7, which is allowing 1.6 yards per rush attempt, the lowest number in the nation. The Buffaloes have thrived when they can depend on their run game, which will be missing key bodies Saturday evening.

Smarter than the average Bear

Once quarterback Jake Reztlaff transferred out, many, including myself, wrote BYU off as a team without a leader. However, it just so happens that true freshman Stanford transfer Bear Bachmeier appears to be one of the best freshman quarterbacks in the nation. He's looked calm and accurate through three games, playing mistake-free football that has kept his Cougars dominating teams through their first three games.

Setting the trap

The Cougars' secondary changed the complexion of their last game against East Carolina with two timely interceptions. Like the Pirates, Colorado will be looking to take advantage of BYU's corners, who gave up some explosive plays last week. If the Buffaloes' quarterback Kaidon Salter isn't at his best, the Courgars will waste no time feasting on him.

He's spinning the ball on his finger

You know what really helps a young quarterback develop? A fantastic offensive line, and that's exactly what the Cougars bring to the table. Through three games, Bachmeier has only hit the turf four times for relatively small losses. Combine that with a Colorado front that could be missing key pieces like Tawfiq Thomas and Keaten Wade, and there's a recipe for a Buffaloes disaster.

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado football vs. BYU: Reasons the Buffs could struggle