Colorado @ Washington preview

THE STORY: With a showdown at No. 5 Stanford looming next week, Washington could be excused for looking past visiting Colorado this Saturday. But the struggling Buffaloes may not be capable of taking advantage anyway. The Huskies are one of four undefeated teams in the Pac-12, while the Buffaloes are among four winless teams. Washington had last week off while Colorado was getting crushed by Stanford 48-7 for its 20th straight road loss.

TV: Root. LINE: Washington -14.5

ABOUT WASHINGTON (4-1, 2-0 Pac-12): The Huskies are one of three undefeated teams in the loaded North Division with Stanford (3-0) and No. 9 Oregon (2-0). Washington won its last game 31-14 at Utah on Oct. 1. Sophomore quarterback Keith Price has thrown 17 touchdowns – tied for second in the nation – and four interceptions, and ranks second in the Pac-12 in passing efficiency, behind Heisman Trophy favorite Andrew Luck of Stanford. Price’s top target is Jermaine Kearse, who has five TD catches. The Huskies’ rushing attack is led by Chris Polk’s 122.2 yards per game. He ranks second in the Pac-12 to Oregon’s LaMichael James (170.4).

ABOUT COLORADO (1-5, 0-2 Pac-12): The Buffaloes are still looking for their first Pac-12 victory after joining the conference this season. Colorado will be without top receiver Paul Richardson, who is expected to miss two more games with a knee injury. The Buffaloes, who average 21.5 points per game, are 109th among 120 FBS schools in rushing at 94.5 yards per game. Coach Jon Embree may try to get freshman running back Tony Jones more carries. Redshirt freshman cornerback Josh Moten returns after a one-game suspension, but four other suspended players, including three corners, will not play against Washington.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Polk has 15 100-yard rushing games and is two shy of Napoleon Kaufman’s school record.

2. Washington has scored 30 or more points in its first five games for the third time in school history, while Colorado has allowed 31 or more in each of its losses.

3. The Huskies rank 114th in third-down defense (52.2 percent).

PREDICTION: Washington 31, Colorado 14 – The Huskies will pay attention to the Buffaloes long enough to make the Stanford game even more important, as Price and Kearse wreak havoc on Colorado’s secondary.