Cincinnati (5-2, 3-1 Big 12) at Colorado (5-2, 3-1)

When/where: 8:15 PM Saturday, Folsom Field

TV/Radio: ESPN/850 AM

BetMGM Line: CU -5.5, 57.5 ​​O/U

Weather: 51 degrees and slightly windy at kickoff

Series history: CU won the only meeting, 56-14 in Boulder in 1972

Three storylines

Travis Hunter’s impact: After the Buffs’ two-time star was knocked out of the Kansas State game due to a reported shoulder injury, then limited to the first half in last week’s win over Arizona, Deion Sanders said Hunter is “feeling much better.” It is not yet known whether he is working on adding to his Heisman resume again. Playing injured last week in Arizona, he was limited to two catches for 17 yards. That means LaJohntay Wester (eight catches for 127 yards in Tucson) will likely continue as a featured pass-catcher, along with Will Sheppard. Jimmy Horn Jr., also injured in the K-State loss, had just two catches last week.

Positioning for the taking: The Buffs and Bearcats are currently tied for third in the Big 12 standings, behind undefeated BYU and Iowa State. If the Buffs can run the table, a spot in the conference championship game awaits. A win over Cincinnati would be a boon to that goal given the way the schedule is opening up. After next week’s trip to Texas Tech, the Buffs’ three remaining opponents are a combined 2-10 in the Big 12. In the meantime, the Buffs need BYU or ISU to stumble, and the Cyclones have a much tougher procedure.

CU’s defense: Robert Livingston’s unity is a big reason why the Buffs are outperforming pundits’ expectations. CU leads the Big 12 in red zone defense (17 scores allowed in 25 chances) and the Buffs have 13 points. The defensive front has come into its own in recent weeks, with 16 sacks over the past three games, giving the Buffs a Big-12 best 21 on the season. That sustained pressure will be huge against a Bearcats offense headlined by dual-threat QB Brendan Sorsby and running backs Corey Kiner and Evan Pryor, the latter of whom can make big runs.

Predictions

Kyle Newman, sports journalist: CU 31, Cincinnati 21

It might be time to start believing that this Buffs team can make a run to the Big 12 title game on Dec. 7 in Arlington. Travis Hunter has an impressive TD catch in the first quarter, putting him in control of the game early. Shedeur Sanders, with decent protection up front, puts up another big stat line and scrambles for a few key first downs. And the defense does the rest, limiting the Bearcats to one score in the second half as CU comes up with five total sacks, while Hunter’s fourth-quarter interception seals the victory.