The BYU Cougars (3-0) travel to Boulder, Colo., for a Big 12 showdown against the Colorado Buffaloes (2-2) on Saturday night.
Both teams enter with momentum — BYU coming off a 34-13 home win over ECU, and Colorado rebounding with a statement performance against Wyoming after putting QB Kaidon Salter under-center.
Below, we’ll break down our #24 BYU vs. Colorado prediction and the top player picks on PrizePicks for this Saturday clash set to close out Week 5 on 10:15 p.m. ET on ESPN.
BYU's success has been attributed to the balanced performances out of freshman QB Bear Bachmeier, while Colorado QB Kaidon Salter continues to grow into his role as the QB1 of the Buffaloes offense. BYU dominated the last meeting between these teams in the 2024 Alamo Bowl, winning 36-14.
With every college football game this season, you can get in on the real money action on PrizePicks; simply picking your players, predict More or Less on their projected stats, and cash in when your picks are right.
🏈 PLAY $5, GET $50 instantly in Lineups for your CFB picks. Use PrizePicks Promo Code: PLAYBOOK
BYU vs. Colorado Prediction, Preview: Saturday, Sept. 28
Here’s a look inside the #24 BYU vs. Colorado prediction for Saturday night, with previews for both sides of the ball.
BYU Cougars Preview
The Cougars have been led by the young star Bachmeier, who has shown poise beyond his years through his first four games. Donning No. 47 — yes, No. 47 — he’s completed 66.7% of his passes for 518 yards and 4 TDs, while scoring four times on the ground.
His arm talent has been impressive, though his toughest test yet comes on the road against a Big 12 defense that will pressure him with more speed than he’s faced so far in 2025.
BYU’s offensive line has held up relatively well, allowing just four sacks all season, but they’ll need to keep Bachmeier upright against a Colorado defense that likes to create chaos.
Leading the rushing attack, Junior RB LJ Martin has emerged as a true workhorse, with 342 rushing yards on 8.6 YPC.
Defensively, BYU has been a juggernaut, ranking No. 1 in turnover margin (+2.5 per game), and 20th in yards allowed (282.5). Against Salter, their ability to contain QB runs will be critical.
Colorado Preview
After shuffling quarterbacks early in the season, Salter has solidified himself as Colorado’s starter and key playmaker. He was exceptional in the win over Wyoming, throwing for 304 yards and 3 TDs while rushing for another 86 yards and a TD.
His ability to extend plays and threaten defenses on the ground has added dynamism to a Buffaloes offense that previously looked stagnant, with the QB1 job in limbo.
Colorado's defense has been a problem this season, ranking 88th in success rate (41.6%) and 95th in EPA allowed (0.03), despite getting some of the best starting field position in the country, with opponent drives starting at their own 23.
BYU vs. Colorado Picks Tonight for CFB DFS
This late night Big 12 matchup offers several intriguing PrizePicks projections based on usage trends and game flow. Here are three players worth targeting tonight.
Colorado QB Kaidon Salter Projection: 193.5 Passing Yards
Salter has emerged as Colorado’s most dangerous red-zone weapon, and he’ll look to retain the QB1 role despite a tough matchup against the Cougars that ranks 11th in expected points added per dropback, according to Game on Paper.
Salter passed for over 300 yards vs. Wyoming, but this is a different beast.
That said, BYU has surrendered 213.5 passing yards to opposing QBs this season — a tick above his projection, and this is a game script could favor his passing numbers. In the win over Wyoming, he averaged 7.8 yards per pass attempt, which was 10th in the nation last week.
BYU QB Bear Bachmeier Projection: 192.5 Passing Yards
BYU QB Bear Bachmeier’s development has been steady in his freshman year, with his passing numbers climbing each week as he adapts to college football.
BYU’s offense relies heavily on quick throws and keeping the clock moving, which suits the freshman QB’s strengths.
Colorado’s defense ranks 56th nationally in passing yards allowed (214.5 YPG) and has key injuries in the secondary, including starting CB RJ Johnson.
Additionally, Bachmeier has a completion rate of 44% under pressure, per PFF, which could be interesting if Colorado’s defense can find ways to break the line early in the game.
BYU RB LJ Martin Projection: 100.5 Rushing Yards
Martin has separated himself as the Cougars’ RB1, appearing on 128 of BYU’s 204 snaps this season. Backup RB Sione Moa is next in line with only 65.
Martin’s averaging 8.6 yards per carry (13th in the nation), and Colorado’s run defense has been a liability, ranking 102nd nationally with 194.8 rushing YPG allowed.
Martin's averaging 0.35 missed tackles forced per carry, breaking or avoiding a tackle on roughly 35% of his attempts, and averages 5.97 yards after contact per attempt. That’s quite high — on about 1 out of every 3 rushes, the junior is leaving a defender in the dust.
Make Late Night CFB Picks on PrizePicks
The BYU vs. Colorado game will cap off the Week 5 slate with a game in an electric environment in Boulder, Colo.
This Big 12 matchup oils down to whether Bachmeier can handle his first real road test against the Buffaloes, or if Salter’s dual-threat ability can mirror his Week 4 output to get a win at home.
With PrizePicks, you can cash in on your college game predictions by targeting key players like Salter, Bachmeier, or Martin.
It's time to lock in your CFB picks on PrizePicks to win real money. Just pick your players, predict More or Less on their stats, and cash in on your predictions when you're right.
