We have Coach Prime in prime time.
No. 18 Colorado meets Colorado State on Saturday with an opportunity to stay unbeaten before entering Pac-12 play. Given Colorado-TCU (3.8) and Colorado-Nebraska (4.8) had high Nielsen ratings the first two weeks, it's safe to say Deion Sanders is must-see TV.
Game time is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET at Folsom Field. The matchup will be televised on ESPN. ESPN's College Gameday and Fox's Big Noon Kickoff pregame shows will be in attendance, too.
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By the way, there is a game, too. Colorado (2-0) is a 23.5-point favorite; a line that has ticked up a point from its open. The Buffaloes have star power with quarterback Shedeur Sanders – who averages 451.5 passing yards per game with six TDs and no interceptions. Travis Hunter continues to play receiver and defensive back at an All-American level.
Colorado State (0-1) had a bye week after a 50-24 loss to No. 23 Washington State in the opener. Second-year coach Jay Norvell has the opportunity to lead an upset on the largest stage the Rams will play on this season.
For those looking to bet on Saturday's Colorado-Colorado State matchup, we'll give you all the information you need before placing a wager, including the updated odds from BetMGM, and our predictions for this week's game.
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No. 18 Colorado vs. Colorado State odds, spread, over/under
- Spread: Colorado -23.5 (-110) | Colorado State +23.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: OVER 59.5 (-110) | UNDER 59.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Colorado -2000 | Colorado State +950
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Should you bet Colorado against the spread?
The Rocky Mountain Showdown is back. The schools haven't played since 2019, and this will be the first game at Folsom Field since 2005. The Buffaloes won the last four meetings in Denver from 2016-19 by an average of 26 points per game.
So, the line makes sense. Colorado is 2-0 ATS this season – and the Buffs covered a 21-point spread against Nebraska in Week 2. Shedeur Sanders should get off to a good start against the Rams – who allowed 451 yards and three TDs to Washington State's Cam Ward in the opener.
Look for Sanders to spread the ball to Xavier Weaver, Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr. – who has 10 receptions for first downs. That's the receiver to watch on third down. We anticipate Colorado jumping out to a two-score lead early with a similar game plan to Washington State. The Rams had four players with double-digit tackles in the opener – including Jack Howell with 16. But Colorado isn't going to try to establish Dylan Edwards in the running game. Edwards has 85 rushing yards and 143 receiving yards. Look for Colorado offensive coordinator Sean Lewis to exploit those matchups on the perimeter.
The only question is whether Colorado State can answer before the fourth quarter. The Rams are switching quarterbacks. Clay Millen struggled in the opener, and redshirt freshman Bradyen Fowler-Nicolosi will get the start. He hit 13 of 20 passes for 210 yards, two TDs and an interception against the Cougars after Millen left with an injury (he's healthy now, but Fowler-Nicolosi gets the start). Justin Ross-Simmons had five catches for 123 yards and a TD. The Rams struggled to run the ball, too, so this has the feel of a game where both teams throw the ball 45 to 50 times. If Fowler-Nicolosi avoids turnovers, then the Rams will have a chance to cover.
Colorado, however, will force a few turnovers in the first half. Look for Taijh Alston to come up with a few key tackles for loss, and the Buffaloes' secondary will create multiple turnovers. Hunter will put on a show and make plays on both sides.
Colorado State is 1-5 S/U as a road underdog under Norvell, but they are 3-3 ATS. Will the Buffaloes try to run this one up to make a statement before the matchup against No. 13 Oregon on Sept. 23?
We're going to stick with Colorado on the cover and a final score of 42-17.
Our pick: Colorado -23.5 (-110)
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Should you bet the Colorado vs. Colorado State over or under?
Last week, the Colorado-Nebraska O/U dropped to 56.5, and the under hit. This week, the number is at 59.5. The Buffaloes have outscored opponents 30-14 in the first half and 51-42 in the second half, so it will be interesting to see what kind of start the Buffaloes get off to.
In-state rivalries are always interesting, and the extra week of preparation means Colorado State will have a few wrinkles in the passing game that Colorado hasn't seen yet. Our final score puts this total right on the line, and with teams passing that much there could be some lulls along the way. It's a toss-up, but we're still taking the under.
Our pick: UNDER 59.5 (-110)
