The Bounce House will be rocking with the Buffaloes come to town to face the Knights, but who has the actual advantage? Our Colorado vs. UCF prediction holds the answers.
Colorado vs. UCF Betting Preview
All Colorado vs. UCF odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Friday, Sept. 27, 2024.
- Spread
UCF -14 - Moneyline
Colorado +400, UCF -535 - Over/Under
62 - 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, reaching -14.5 by Wednesday and landing at -14 on Friday morning. The total opened at 64 and has come down just a touch, but looks to hover around that 62-point mark for the game.
The Buffs head to Orlando 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.
The moneyline has favored them throughout and crept out to -625 on Wednesday, with more money likely to come close to game time.
Prediction for Colorado vs. UCF
I’m 1-0 picking both of these teams in 2024— taking Colorado and 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’ve got to pick one to fall short of the spread, and it’s no easy task. This game feels like a nightmare matchup for both defenses.
FREE: Sign up for the College Football Network Newsletter to receive unique stories from the world of college football directly to your inbox!
Josh Hoover torched UCF’s secondary two weeks back, throwing for 402 yards and four touchdowns on 35-of-52 passing. He probably deserved to walk away with the win. Sanders is just as dangerous and will likely pick apart this UCF secondary if Colorado’s offensive line can keep him on his feet.
The key difference between TCU and Colorado is in the trenches. TCU gave Hoover plenty of protection, and I’m not convinced Colorado can offer the same support.
On the flip side, Colorado’s defensive front has been pushed around at times this season—just rewatch the Nebraska game. This UCF offense is a master of creating running lanes, cutbacks, and misdirection that wreak havoc on defensive lines.
In a matchup loaded with talent, it’s the battle up front that will decide the outcome. I see UCF’s offensive line paving the way for Harvey and Jefferson to run wild.
I also believe the UCF front seven will bring enough pressure to disrupt Sanders. We’ve seen him pull off some incredible heroics, but it’s just too tall a task in Orlando on Sunday.
Expect the narrative to swing back to questioning if Colorado is overrated.
The Prediction: UCF 43, Colorado 23
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.