Shedeur Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes face off against KJ Jefferson and the undefeated UCF Knights in what promises to be an exciting Big 12 matchup. Head coach Deion Sanders, now in his second season at the helm of Colorado, has transformed the program, fresh off a thrilling come-from-behind overtime win over Baylor.
In their first season back in the Big 12 conference, the Buffaloes are 3-1 overall and 1-0 in Big 12 play.
Meanwhile, UCF sits at 3-0 overall and 1-0 in Big 12 action. The Knights, fresh off a bye week, are coming off a tight 35-34 win over TCU on Sept. 14. This marks UCF’s second season in the Big 12, and they’ll look to stay undefeated against a surging Colorado squad.
Colorado vs. UCF Betting and DFS Preview
All Colorado vs. UCF odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Monday, Sept. 23.
- Spread
UCF -14 - Moneyline
Colorado +425, UCF -585 - Over/Under
63.5 - Game Time
Saturday, Sept. 28, 3:30 p.m. ET - Location
FBC Mortgage Stadium | Orlando, Fla. - Predicted Weather at Kick
87 degrees, rain - How To Watch
Fox
UCF initially opened as an 11-point favorite, but that number has ballooned to two full touchdowns during the game week. The total hasn’t seen nearly as much movement, opening at 64.5 and now at 63.5.
The Buffs head to Orlando, Fla., 2-2 against the spread and 0-1 in their only game on the season as an underdog. The Knights are 3-0 against the spread and 2-0 as favorites against the spread, including covers as 38-point and 21.5-point favorites.
Top DFS Picks and Fantasy Plays
- QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
- QB KJ Jefferson, UCF
- RB Isaiah Augustave, Colorado
- RB RJ Harvey, UCF
- WR Travis Hunter, Colorado
- WR Kobe Hudson, UCF
- WR Jimmy Horn Jr., Colorado
This high-powered Big 12 matchup will feature plenty of options for DFS plays. Sanders is one of the top DFS options in college football. He’s ranked fourth in the nation in total passing yards with 1,340 and 11 touchdowns to just two interceptions.
UCF boasts one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the country, Jefferson, who is fresh off a 230-yard, three-passing touchdown performance in a road win over TCU.
MORE: CFN Betting Parlay Calculator
Travis Hunter remains a top DFS player as well. He’s Sanders’ favorite target, and he’s ranked sixth in the nation in receiving yards with 472 and five touchdown catches.
The sleeper in this one might be RJ Harvey. The UFC running back is emerging as one of the best in the country. He ranks eighth in the nation in rushing yards with 448 and eight scores, but he’s the only one in the top 10 with less than 60 carries on the season.
Prediction for Colorado vs. UCF
I’m 1-0 on both of these squads in 2024, as I took Colorado to get their first cover of the year against Colorado State. I also took UCF to go into Texas two weeks ago and knock off TCU as road dogs.
Now I have to pick one of these squads to lose against the spread, and it’s a tough call. I think it’s a horrible matchup for both of these defenses.
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Josh Hoover carved up the UCF defense with 402 passing yards and four touchdowns two weeks ago. He finished 35-for-52 and probably deserved to come away with a win. Sanders is every bit as capable as Hoover and will most likely have his way with the UCF secondary if the Colorado O-line can keep him upright.
The main difference between TCU and Colorado is the offensive line. TCU gave Hoover plenty of time on Saturday, and I’m not sure Colorado can do the same.
On the other side of the ball, we’ve seen this Colorado defensive front get manhandled at times this season. Just watch the Nebraska tape. This UCF offense is dynamic at creating running lanes, cutbacks, and misdirection that gives opposing offensive lines a fit.
While both squads have skill players all over the field, this one comes down to the trenches. I believe the UCF offensive line will allow Harvey and Jefferson to have a field day on the ground. I also think the UCF defensive front will be able to create some havoc up front, making life difficult for Sanders. We’ve seen him pull off some Superman acts in the past, but it’s just too much in Orlando on Sunday.
The narrative will shift back to Colorado being overrated.
The Prediction: Colorado 23, UCF 43
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