FOX Big Noon Kickoff hits Boulder this weekend for a pivotal college football matchup between red-hot Colorado and Utah. With wins in six of their last seven games, the Buffaloes (7-2) are making an unexpected push for the Big 12 championship.

The Utes were the preseason favorites to win the conference until injuries to key players have resulted in a 4-5 record. However, Utah’s defense is no joke and could be the catalyst for an upset.

Sportsbooks expect Colorado to win by two possessions, and I’ve got two best bets for the must-see game of Week 12’s early window.

CFB Week 12 Utah vs. Colorado predictions and best bets

• Colorado -11.5: -110 odds at BetMGM
• Isaiah Augustave under 41.5 rushing yards: -114 odds at FanDuel

*Note: Odds are based on the best value our experts find as of publication; check lines closer to game time to ensure you get the best odds.

It’s a two-team race in the Big 12. Colorado and BYU have clear paths to the conference championship game, and a victory there locks up a spot in the College Football Playoff.

The Buffaloes have a lot at stake, and the Utes have dropped five straight games for the first time since 2013. The losses weren’t blowouts, which may actually be more demoralizing to be so close to victory but fail.

Utah’s loss versus BYU last week must be especially draining. The Utes led the bitter rivalry 21-10 at halftime but scored zero second-half points, losing by one point in the final seconds.

TeamRankings reports that Colorado is 7-2 against the spread (ATS) with covers in seven straight games. Utah is 3-6 ATS and 1-3 on the road.

Colorado RB Isaiah Augustave’s rushing prop is another wager I’m highlighting. The Buffaloes’ 78 rushing yards per game ranks second-worst in FBS, and Augustave has gone under 41.5 yards in six of eight games.

The Utes’ defense is top-tier, and Colorado likely will rely on QB Shedeur Sanders to win the game. That’s the typical offensive game plan for the Buffs, as Sanders has the ninth-most pass attempts among power-conference QBs.

Utah vs. Colorado moneyline odds analysis

Why Colorado could win as the favorite

Best odds: -410 at DraftKings

It’ll be a clash of styles Saturday at Folsom Field.

Utah’s defense is outstanding, but the offense leaves Utes fans wanting more. The opposite is true for Colorado, though the Buffaloes’ defense has shown improvement. Colorado leads the Big 12 with 29 sacks and surrender 23 points per game.

Utah’s defense is strong but preventing big plays has been a challenge.

The Utes have allowed 43 plays of 20+ yards, and the Buffaloes’ offense has 45 explosive plays. If WR/CB Travis Hunter has another Heisman-worthy performance, Utah’s offense doesn’t have the firepower to keep up.

The Utes average the second-lowest total yards in the Big 12 and have been held to 21 points or fewer in five consecutive games.

Why Utah could win as the underdog

Best odds: +350 at bet365

Utah’s defense is arguably the toughest matchup Colorado will face this season. The unit must be stellar because the Utes’ offense can’t keep pace in a high-scoring game.

If the Buffaloes can’t light up the scoreboard, there’s seemingly one path for a Utes victory.

Limiting offensive turnovers is step one. Utah QBs have thrown the most interceptions in the Big 12, and the Sanders-Hunter combo surely will capitalize on favorable field position.

Step two is forcing long, clock-chewing offensive possessions. This would limit Colorado’s possessions and keep Sanders and Co. out of rhythm.