The Colorado Buffaloes and Colorado State Rams are set to clash in a Week 3 college football showdown in Fort Collins. Colorado aims to rebound from a 28-10 loss to Nebraska, while Colorado State enters with momentum after a convincing 38-17 win over Northern Colorado.
This rivalry delivered one of the most exciting games of the 2023 season, with the Buffaloes edging out a dramatic 43-35 overtime victory. Expect plenty of intensity as these in-state rivals meet once more in our Colorado vs. Colorado State Prediction.
Colorado vs. Colorado State Betting Preview
All Colorado vs. Colorado State odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Saturday, Sept. 14.
- Spread
Colorado -7.5 - Moneyline
Colorado -290, Colorado State +235 - Over/Under
58.5 - Game time
7:30 p.m. ET - Location
Canvas Stadium | Fort Collins, Colo. - Predicted Weather at Kick
71 degrees, Partly Cloudy - How to Watch
CBS
Colorado opened as -7.5 favorites, and after a brief jump to -9, the spread settled back down closer to a touchdown and currently sits at -7.5.
The total opened at 59.5 and has only come down by a point and will most likely sit right at 58.5 until kickoff.
Like the other lines, the moneyline has also been pretty stagnant. Colorado State opened as +240 underdogs, and you can now get them as +220 dogs.
Prediction for Colorado vs. Colorado State
Last year’s matchup between Colorado and Colorado State was an explosive, high-scoring affair, and this year’s game has the potential for similar fireworks. Shedeur Sanders was a key player in that contest, throwing for 348 yards and four touchdowns. His counterpart, Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, actually outgained him with 367 yards and three touchdowns, despite also tossing three interceptions.
However, Fowler-Nicolosi and the Rams’ passing game have struggled to find their rhythm in 2024. Opening against Texas didn’t help, but so far, Fowler-Nicolosi has only managed 261 yards and one touchdown over two games. Compounding their challenges, top target Tory Horton may miss this game due to a groin injury, raising questions about who will step up in the Rams’ offense.
No other receiver on the roster has more than three receptions this season.
Colorado also faces injury concerns, with running back Dallan Hayden doubtful due to an undisclosed injury, leaving Charlie Offerdahl to take on a larger role in the backfield. Offerdahl has only carried the ball nine times for 19 yards this season. On the brighter side, Colorado’s two-way star Travis Hunter has been electric, recording 17 catches for 242 yards and three touchdowns in just two games.
This matchup could hinge on whether Sanders can replicate his high-octane performance and if Fowler-Nicolosi can ignite the Rams’ offense despite the potential absence of key playmakers. With both teams dealing with key injuries, the edge may go to the side that can adapt and exploit the other’s weaknesses.
Since Coach Prime took over, the Colorado Buffaloes have won just two games by eight or more points: a 36-14 victory over Nebraska and a 43-35 overtime win against Colorado State last year.
A major concern for the Rams is the health of Tory Horton. As one of the nation’s most productive receivers, Horton was the focal point of Colorado State’s offense, catching 16 passes for 133 yards and a touchdown in last year’s matchup. If he’s unable to play, it could spell trouble for the Rams.
There’s skepticism around Colorado as they have struggled against the spread, currently sitting at 0-2 ATS. Last weekend’s game against Nebraska exposed the Buffaloes’ issues against teams that dominate in the trenches. However, that shouldn’t be a problem this week against Colorado State.
Colorado should have the edge with their superior skill players and the ability to protect Sanders, similar to their season opener against North Dakota State. Despite being on the road, the game is expected to follow a similar script.
MORE: Simulate the College Football Season with CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor
With 58% of tickets and 60% of the handle backing the home underdogs, it’s a good opportunity to go against the betting public.
Expect the Buffaloes to get their first cover of the season.
The Prediction: Colorado 34, Colorado State 23
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