It looks like the Colorado Buffaloes are down to another defeat as they entered their final season game against the Utah Utes without some of their key players. Star QB Shedeur Sanders was absent from the game while offensive lineman Van Wells also had a replacement after his undisclosed injury against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. But his substitute in an unnamed jersey stole the attention in the second half with his No. 58. 

Colorado’s last game against Utah came with an air of challenge right after their 56-14 Washington State defeat. The Buffs suffered a 7-0 deficit in the first quarter but they managed to climb to 13-10 with three points behind Utah at halftime. If Colorado loses this game, it will be their 7th consecutive loss against their rival program. 

Hank Zilinskas takes Van Wells’ place as Colorado’s offensive lineman 

The Colorado Buffaloes are still behind the Utah Utes in the Rumble in the Rockies rivalry as they fall to a deficit of 20-10 with one minute remaining in the third quarter. After the injury sustained by Buffs’ offensive lineman Van Wells, Colorado has pulled in a replacement who wore a no-name jersey in the first half of the game. This has become a trend for Hank Zilinskas who has done it even in recent weeks.

But now Hank Zilinskas is back again and this time he’s wearing his No. 58 as they try to come strong with their offense without star QB Shedeur Sanders, who sat out the final season game after an injury during the last 56-14 defeat against Washington State. Colorado needs to win this game to chase the 34-32-4 all-time series lead by the Utah Utes and break their six consecutive annual victories.

Colorado’s fate lay in uncertain hands 

The Colorado-Utah football rivalry began in 1903 when the Buffs first defeated Utah in a 22-0 blowout victory. The rivalry resumed in 2011 when the teams entered the Pac-12 conference after almost a five decade hiatus. The last game between Colorado and Utah at Rice-Eccles Stadium saw Coach Prime’s Buffs suffer in the hands of the Utes who are leading the rivalry series. 

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As of now, the game is going in the favor of Utah 13-10, who are gaining control of the time because of the failing tackles attempted by Colorado. Star QB Sheduer Sanders, who suffered an injury in the last game isn’t playing the game, contributing to the Buffs’ lower edge but Utah is also playing with their fifth-string QB Luke Bottari. Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter accounted for four tackles (two solos) but in the end, the stakes look risky for the Buffs. 

The Buffs now stand 4-7 as they hope to secure their fifth win in their final season game. If they win the game, it will be a bonus to Coach Prime Deion Sanders who transformed a 1-11 season program into one of the most hyped college football teams. 

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