Colorado at UCLA line, prediction, odds: What will it take for Deion Sanders’ team to bounce back?

After taking the college football world by storm over its first three games, Colorado has had a rude welcome to conference play this season, and are getting another big test on Saturday when they visit UCLA. The Bruins are more than a two-touchdown favorite in the Pac-12 contest.

Colorado comes into the game having lost three of its past four games, including a stunning 46-43 overtime loss to Stanford that saw it blow a 29-0 halftime lead. As explosive as Colorado’s offense can be with quarterback Shedeur Sanders and a talented group of wide receivers, there are some significant flaws on the offensive line that can lead to problems. But those are nothing compared to the problems Colorado has had on defense. The Buffaloes have allowed at least 35 points in five of their seven games.

It is not going to get any easier the rest of the season as Colorado still plays three more top-25 teams, including this one.

After being out injured, Travis Hunter returned in the loss to Stanford and racked up 13 receptions, 140 yards and two touchdowns while also tallying five tackles at cornerback.

UCLA is capable of putting up big numbers offensively, as it did this past week in a 42-7 win over Stanford, but head coach Chip Kelly has not yet announced who his starting quarterback will be.

Ethan Garbers and Dante Moore have played the bulk of the snaps this season, but Kelly has said he has faith in Garbers, Moore and Collin Schlee to play winning football. Garbers returned to the starting lineup in UCLA’s last game and completed 20-of-28 passes for 240 yards. The one big flaw all of the UCLA quarterbacks have had this season is turnovers. That is the one area where Colorado’s defense has excelled this season and it could be something that could swing a game for a heavy underdog.

What is the spread for Colorado at UCLA?

Expert picks against the spread

How to watch and stream Colorado at UCLA

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET from the Rose Bowl. The game will be broadcast nationally on ABC and streamed on the ESPN app.