The Colorado Buffaloes (2-3, 0-2) and TCU Horned Frogs (3-1, 0-1) play on Saturday, Oct. 4, at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, in a game on the college football Week 6 schedule. Both teams got a mix of good and bad news on the injury after the practice. Especially not a great day for Colorado or its fans, as QB1 Kaidon Salter is doubtful.
As per CU insider Brian Howell’s sources, the initial participation list of both teams posted Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 9:00 p.m. CT, paints a long, sobering picture. For Colorado, sure-shot players who are out include CB Noah King, RB DeKalon Taylor, safety TJ Branch, CB Kyle Carpenter, RB Simeon Price, among other 7 more players. The O-line and D-line may be short on depth when Coach Prime’s Buffs take on TCU.
On top of that, several players are doubtful for the game. None bigger than quarterback Kaidon Salter. Some key backups in the backfield are also touch-and-go for the game. But it’s not just Colorado that is facing issues on the injury front. TCU will be without 8 of its players. Again, similar to the Buffs, the backfield may have depth issues with safety Joseph Albright and CB Avery Helm missing the game while CB Elijah Jackson is doubtful days ahead of the matchup.
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The headline in Boulder revolves around Kaidon Salter. His status is labeled probable, but that’s still just enough uncertainty to keep fans chewing their fingernails. Salter is the difference between Colorado hanging in a dogfight and getting run off the field. Against BYU last week, he lit up the first half with 49 rushing yards, a score on the ground, and a passing touchdown. He showed off both the legs and the arm, keeping the Buffs alive until the closing stretch. His season line, 59 completions on 88 attempts for 684 yards and five touchdowns, backs up the sense that without him, the offense loses its heartbeat.
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Deion Sanders knows it, too. When former NFL cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones pressed him about whether another QB shuffle might happen, Sanders made it plain. “We pray not. Who wants to play musical quarterbacks? Ain’t nobody want to play musical quarterbacks. You want to play one guy. You want one guy to be the guy. But, the thing about it, most people that are talking don’t come to practice every day,” Sanders said.
For all of CU’s injuries, this isn’t just about who’s missing but who’s available enough to give them a puncher’s chance. Kaidon Salter has to play, although it could be a good chance for Ryan Staub to go again or even freshman Julian Lewis to bag his first start, but after the coach’s comments, it looks highly unlikely.
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TCU heavily favored in predictions and picks
Vegas isn’t exactly expecting a nail-biter in Fort Worth this weekend. TCU enters Saturday’s Big 12 clash with Colorado as a 13.5-point favorite, per BetMGM Sportsbook. The Horned Frogs sit at -600 on the moneyline, while Deion Sanders’ Buffaloes are sitting at +425 for anyone feeling bold. The over/under has been locked at 58.5 points, so oddsmakers clearly see some fireworks coming.
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ESPN’s analytics give TCU a 79.2% chance to handle business at home, leaving Colorado with just a 20.8% shot at the upset. Still, not everyone’s ruling the Buffs out.
The Arizona Republic’s Jeremy Cluff predicts a tighter contest, calling for a 35-31 TCU win. “TCU is 2-0 at home this season, and Josh Hoover will lead the Horned Frogs to a home victory against the Buffaloes.”