The November 8, 2025 matchup between the Colorado Buffaloes and the West Virginia Mountaineers at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown brings together two Big 12 programs searching for stability, identity, and momentum in what has become a defining stretch of their seasons. Both teams have struggled to meet preseason expectations, yet the stakes remain high, as each looks to build late-season momentum and salvage bowl eligibility. Colorado enters at 3–5 under head coach Deion Sanders, whose second season in Boulder has been marked by flashes of offensive brilliance but undermined by inconsistency, protection issues, and defensive lapses. The Buffaloes are averaging just over 22 points per game while allowing more than 27, a stark contrast to the swagger-filled promise that surrounded the program at the start of the year. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders continues to be the centerpiece of Colorado’s offense, throwing for over 2,200 yards with 18 touchdowns and just six interceptions, but his production has been hindered by an offensive line that has allowed far too much pressure—one of the worst sack rates in the conference. Wide receivers Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr. remain explosive threats capable of changing a game with a single play, yet sustaining drives has been a major challenge. Against a West Virginia defense that thrives on physicality and downhill pursuit, Colorado’s offensive success will depend heavily on short passing concepts, quick reads, and balance from running backs Dylan Edwards and Alton McCaskill. Defensively, Colorado has shown improvement but remains inconsistent. Their secondary, featuring Hunter and safety Shilo Sanders, has created turnovers but has also given up too many explosive plays. The defensive front led by Leonard Payne Jr. and Jeremiah Brown must contain West Virginia’s powerful rushing attack if the Buffaloes hope to keep this game close.

For West Virginia, head coach Neal Brown’s Mountaineers enter at 2–6, having lost several tight contests due to stalled offensive drives and defensive breakdowns late in games. Offensively, they’ve leaned on the ground game, averaging around 170 rushing yards per outing behind running backs CJ Donaldson Jr. and Jahiem White. Quarterback Garrett Greene has provided dual-threat versatility but struggled with accuracy and decision-making under pressure. Against Colorado, West Virginia’s game plan will likely focus on controlling time of possession, establishing the run early, and forcing the Buffaloes’ defense to stay on the field. Defensively, the Mountaineers have been aggressive up front, led by linemen Sean Martin and Eddie Vesterinen, but they’ve struggled to contain dynamic passing attacks—a vulnerability that Shedeur Sanders will look to exploit. In the secondary, cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. will likely draw the challenge of shadowing Hunter, one of the most gifted two-way players in college football. This matchup pits two contrasting styles: Colorado’s pass-heavy, explosive offense against West Virginia’s smash-mouth, ball-control philosophy. The game’s outcome could hinge on turnovers, field position, and third-down efficiency. If West Virginia can control the tempo and keep Sanders off the field, the Mountaineers have the formula to grind out a home victory. Conversely, if Colorado’s offensive line can provide even modest protection, the Buffaloes have the talent to attack West Virginia’s vulnerable secondary and create mismatches downfield. Special teams could also play a pivotal role—Colorado’s return units have been dynamic, while West Virginia has been steady in the kicking game. From a betting perspective, neither team has been particularly trustworthy against the spread, with Colorado covering in only 44% of games and West Virginia around 50%. The Mountaineers hold a slight edge at home, where their physical style and crowd energy tend to elevate their performance. Expect a gritty, back-and-forth contest in which both teams trade momentum early before one side finally asserts control late. Colorado’s big-play ability makes them dangerous, but West Virginia’s home-field advantage and consistency in the trenches give them the slight edge in what should be a competitive, closely fought Big 12 battle.

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