Colorado Football: Buffs desperately need get-right game vs Arizona

Colorado football fell back to earth after three straight losses. Can the Buffaloes get back on track against a rising Arizona side? Here is how to watch live.

There was a point only a few weeks ago when Colorado was still among the ranks of the dwindling number of unbeaten teams around the country. But the Buffaloes were unable to hold on to that esteemed position, as they dropped three in a row against conference opponents and fell hard in the wide-open Pac-12 South race.

Losses at USC and Washington were disappointing but hardly shocking for Buffaloes fans. A Week 9 stumble at home to an Oregon State team on a 13-game conference losing streak was far more surprising than losses to either the Trojans or Huskies. Steven Montez threw for 319 yards, added 66 more on the ground and never turned the ball over. But the Colorado defense had no answers for Jake Luton and company.

Now Colorado faces an even bigger test, as they travel to Tucson to take on an Arizona team riding the high of a big win over Oregon in Week 9. Now 4-5, the Wildcats still have an outside shot at reaching bowl eligibility in the first season under new head coach Kevin Sumlin.

Last week against the Ducks, Khalil Tate came back after sitting out the one-point loss against UCLA and dominated the Oregon defense. Tate, while still less than 100 percent on his balky ankle, showed off his arm as he threw for 189 yards and three touchdowns. J.J. Taylor offered incredible balance, rushing for 212 yards and two touchdowns in the win.

Will Colorado end their run of futility, or have the Wildcats turned the corner completely? Here’s how you can watch the Friday night #Pac12AfterDark game between Colorado and Arizona:

Date: Friday, Nov. 2
Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
Location: Tucson, Ariz.
Venue: Arizona Stadium
TV: FS1
Live Stream: FOX Sports Go | FuboTV

Keys to Victory

To end their losing streak, Colorado needs to do a better job of preventing negative plays on their trip to Tucson. The Buffaloes currently rank 120th in the country as they give up an average of eight tackles for loss per game. That number needs to be cut at least in half for Mike MacIntyre’s team to challenge the Wildcats on their home turf.

Arizona, meanwhile, needs Khalil Tate to continue his progression back to full health. The offensive line needs to keep opening holes for Taylor to run through. Most importantly, though, the home side needs to stop taking costly penalties. Arizona currently ranks 104th in penalty flags per game and 108th in yards given away to infractions.

Betting Odds

Odds courtesy of oddsshark.com

Point Spread: Arizona -4
Over/Under: 59

Prediction

Given their turnaround against Oregon in Week 9, Arizona comes into their Friday-night #Pac12AfterDark contest against the Buffaloes as a four-point favorite. Colorado faces an uphill battle, but their defense should come through with a couple of key interceptions that keep this game close. Look for the Wildcats to prevail at home to reach .500 in the overall standings, but for Colorado to cover in a close contest on Friday.

Final Score: Arizona 31, Colorado 28