Colorado vs Colorado State Predictions, Odds & Picks (Saturday, Sep 14)

Sep 16, 2023; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) and head coach Deion Sanders following a two point conversion in the fourth quarter against the Colorado State Rams at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

• Colorado takes on Colorado State  in a spectacular week 3 CFB clash
• The Buffaloes enter as 7-point favorites over the rival Rams
• Explore all the odds and our best bets for Colorado vs Colorado State below

Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes make their way to Fort Collins to battle the Colorado State Rams. Viewers can expect fireworks as Colorado vs Colorado State kicks off from Sonny Lubick Field at Canvas Stadium at 7:30pm on Saturday, September 14. Catch all the action over on CBS.  The Buffaloes are currently 7-point favorites, with the total set at 57.5 points for the Rocky Mountain showdown.

Check out all the Colorado vs Colorado State odds and our best bets below.

Colorado vs Colorado State Odds

Colorado renews acquaintances with Colorado State this weekend as 7.5-point favorites. The Buffaloes are -255 moneyline favorites, with the Rams set as +205 underdogs. Bettors are on the Rams to win as 55% of ATS wagers have come in on Colorado State.

Odds as of September 12th at DraftKings Sportsbook. Browse the available College Football Betting Apps for Colorado vs Colorado State 

Can Colorado State Spoil the Sanders’ Party?

Colorado vs Colorado State was a must-see television last season, as the teams’ battled it out in a double overtime classic. Their rivalry seemingly baked into every snap in the second half made every play seem titanic. Last year’s matchup was iconic and ensures all eyes will be on Sonny Lubbick Field on Saturday night.

Remember, the spread for that game was set at a far larger 22.5-points. As you can see in the latest college football odds, sportsbooks aren’t underestimating the Rams nearly as much this season. Colorado State pushed Colorado all the way to the limit in last year’s contest, eventually succumbing 43-35 in overtime.

After getting blown out by Texas in Week 1, Colorado State defeated Northern Colorado 38-17 last week to move to 1-1 on the season. Crucially, the Rams running game really got going, as they rushed for 246 yards on 40 carries.  Expect to see a ton of Keegan Holles on Saturday night against Colorado’s 74th ranked rushing defense.

First touch of the game: House Call 🏠

This man is SPECIAL!

📺 Altitude Sports/MWN#Stalwart x #AggieGrit🔶 pic.twitter.com/Ne7PmMBPJ0

— Colorado State Football (@CSUFootball) September 7, 2024

On top of that, Colorado State quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi remains under center. Fowler-Nicolosi tossed for nearly 400 yards against the Buffs last season, and he’ll look to replicate that performance with top wideout Tory Horton and transfers Armani Winfield and Donovan Ollie in the fold.

Unfortunately, recent history hasn’t been kind to Jay Norvell’s squad, as the Rams are just 1-5 against the spread in their last six games at home.

Will Colorado Overcome Their Offensive Line Woes?

Colorado’s offensive looked like an improved unit for long stretches of their contest against Nebraska last week. However, Colorado’s offensive line has come under fire this week after comments from Shedeur Sanders went viral.  The Buffaloes leaky offensive line gave up six sacks last week against Nebraska, and rank 127th in PFF’s pass blocking efficiency rating so far this season. If the Buffs want to win this game, their offensive has to at least give their star quarterback a chance.

The biggest advantage the Buffaloes have is the playmaking ability of Shedeur Sanders and his band of explosive wide receivers. The Rams’ secondary lacks the talent and speed keep up with the likes of Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr. Both Shedeur and Hunter will be looking to make an impressive and boost their Heisman odds.

SHEDEUR SANDERS TO TRAVIS HUNTER FOR SIX 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Kbl5F95luX

— ESPN (@espn) August 30, 2024

Those backing the Buffs should bear in mind Colorado have been awful away from home under Deion Sanders, losing five of their last six road contests.

Colorado vs Colorado State Prediction

This year’s version of the Centennial State rivalry could devolve into a shootout quickly. Colorado State lost a plethora of talent this off-season, but they’ve recruited well in key areas. While the Buffaloes transfers and off-season moves have been well documented, the Rams will be able to generate enough pressure up front to make Shedeur Sanders’ life tough on Saturday night.

With the number of new players on their roster, Colorado lacks the cohesion to cover a two-score spread. The Buffs have struggled to protect their quarterback in the Sanders’ era and Colorado’s lack of a rushing attack hasn’t helped matters. Expect to see a run-heavy attack from Colorado State on offense, and a number of blitzes on defense designed to confuse Colorado’s lack of continuity up front.

Bet on Colorado State to do just that, and cover this spread late in the 4th quarter.

Colorado vs Colorado State Pick: Colorado State +7 (-108)

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