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Colorado's defense will try to stop Devon Dampier and Utah's high-flying offense

The Colorado Buffaloes face a major test this week as they look to contain Utah’s explosive offense, led by dual-threat quarterback Devon Dampier. Dampier has already thrown for 1,134 yards and 15 touchdowns in the first five games, while also averaging 11.4 rushes per game.

His versatility is compounded by Utah’s creative play-calling under first-year offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven, who deploys a two-quarterback system with Dampier and backup Byrd Ficklin often on the field simultaneously. Ficklin’s ability to line up at multiple positions—running back, tight end, or receiver—adds another layer of complexity for Colorado’s defense, which will also need to account for running back Wayshawn Parker’s physicality between the tackles and on screen passes.

Meanwhile, Colorado’s offense remains in flux, with questions surrounding the starting quarterback after former five-star prospect Julian Lewis’s inconsistent play. Issac Wilson, a former Utah quarterback, took the reins last week against Texas Tech but struggled with four turnovers, including a costly pick-six that extended the Red Raiders’ lead.

The Buffaloes’ offensive woes were further exposed when their play sheet was lost in a hotel bar and recovered by Texas Tech fans. Now, Colorado must establish a ground game to counter Utah’s disruptive defensive line, while also proving they can execute against a Power 4 opponent—Utah’s defense is among the best in college football, and the Buffaloes average just 10.3 points per game against such teams.

With Lamont Lester Jr. returning from injury, Colorado’s defense has a chance to apply pressure, but the challenge of containing Dampier and Utah’s high-powered attack looms large.

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