Washington State's Luke Falk leads the nation in passing yards and has the nation's second-most touchdown passes, with his coach believing he should win the Heisman Trophy.
Colorado will counter with quarterback Cade Apsay making his first start.
The Cougars are ranked for the first time in nine years, and the 24th-ranked club will be favored to hand the visiting Buffaloes a 22nd straight loss to a Top 25 opponent Saturday night.
Washington State (7-3, 5-2 Pac-12) is ranked for the first time since 2006, though coach Mike Leach isn't concerned about that.