Arizona at Colorado in Key Big 12 Matchup

Arizona (4-3, 1-3 Big 12) seeks to rebound after two narrow losses and a bye week when it visits Colorado in Boulder in a game that is important for the Wildcats’ bowl hopes. Oddsmakers make Arizona a modest favorite (about 4.5–5.5 points), and the Wildcats’ +5 turnover margin versus Colorado’s -3, plus the chance to exploit Colorado’s weak run defense, give Arizona an edge. Arizona’s offense has flashed — Noah Fifita recently completed 24-of-26 for 269 yards and two touchdowns — but the run defense has been vulnerable, a concern after Colorado was dominated by Utah (422 rushing yards). Colorado is reeling from a 53-7 loss to Utah, carries an unsettled quarterback situation (Ryan Staub/Kaidon Salter) and struggles with turnovers, penalties and time of possession. Arizona needs at least two of its final five games to reach a bowl, and Colorado’s remaining schedule could be affected by Arizona State news: ASU quarterback Sam Leavitt will miss the season after foot surgery and veteran Jeff Sims is expected to start, a development that could make Colorado’s Nov. 22 matchup with the Sun Devils more manageable for the Buffaloes.