Wyoming vs. Colorado: Pick vs. Spread and Top Storylines

The Colorado Buffaloes have stumbled out of the gate in year three under head coach Deion Sanders, sitting at 1-2 with losses to Georgia Tech and Houston. Meanwhile, Wyoming squared off against a Big 12 opponent last week in Utah but came up short in a 31-6 loss. The Cowboys will get another shot at knocking off a Power Five opponent when they face the Buffaloes.

Colorado will host Wyoming in a non-conference showdown on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 10:15 p.m. ET on ESPN. The Buffaloes enter the matchup as 13.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 44.5 total points. Here are two key players to watch in this game, followed by the top storylines for each team, and a prediction from Heartland College Sports.

Two Key Players To Watch

Simeon Price (RB, Colorado)

Despite Colorado’s offensive struggles, running back Simeon Price has flashed potential in limited opportunities. He averaged an impressive 10.1 yards per carry and scored a touchdown against Houston. With ongoing uncertainty at quarterback, Price could be in line for a heavier workload as the Buffaloes look to stabilize their offense. His explosiveness could be the spark Colorado needs to turn things around

Kaden Anderson (QB, Wyoming)

Despite some ups and downs against a tough Utah defense, Wyoming quarterback Kaden Anderson will face another Power Five test, this time against a Colorado unit that has already surrendered multiple plays of 70 yards or more this season. For Anderson to find success, the Cowboys’ offensive line will need to step up in pass protection and give him time to operate. With wide receiver Chris Durr Jr. on the outside, Anderson will need to get him involved early to help jumpstart the offense.

Two Key Storylines

Can Kaidon Salter Solidify Himself as QB1 This Season?

After being benched last week, Kaidon Salter is expected to reclaim the starting quarterback role this weekend. Through two games, Salter has thrown for 261 yards and totaled three touchdowns, showing flashes of the dual-threat ability that made him a highly touted prospect. While inconsistency has been an issue, his upside remains intriguing. With a renewed opportunity to lead the offense, all eyes will be on Salter to see if he can settle in and bring stability to the quarterback position.

Chris Durr Jr. Opens Up the Playbook for Wyoming

For Anderson, having a weapon like Chris Durr Jr. on the outside offers a reliable target and the potential to shift momentum in a single play. As Wyoming looks to rebound, getting Durr involved early could be the key to jumpstarting the offense. The 5-foot-10 wideout has already hauled in 16 catches for 240 yards and two touchdowns this season. If the Cowboys are going to hand Colorado a 1-3 start, Durr will need to make his presence felt in the open field.

Prediction: Colorado 24, Wyoming 14

Price gives CU a steady ground option, and if he gets going with more carries, Wyoming’s defense could wear down like it did against Utah. Anderson and Durr offer some big-play potential for the Cowboys, but unless the offensive line improves and they hit on chunk plays, Colorado should pull away. With Salter back as the starter, establishing the run game will be critical to setting the tempo and easing pressure on the passing attack. If the Buffaloes can do that, they’ll be in position to close strong and get back to .500.