Colorado heads to Fort Collins to battle in-state rival Colorado State, and we have the Colorado vs. Colorado State preview and predictions for Week 3.
The Colorado Buffaloes and Colorado State Rams will clash in a Week 3 college football matchup on Saturday, Sept. 14, in Fort Collins. Colorado aims to rebound from a 28-10 loss to Nebraska, while Colorado State enters the game with momentum after a 38-17 win over Northern Colorado.
This rivalry delivered one of the most exciting games of the 2023 season, with the Buffaloes narrowly escaping with a 43-35 overtime victory. Expect plenty of intensity and drama as these in-state foes meet once again.
Colorado vs. Colorado State Betting Preview
All Colorado vs. Colorado State odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Wednesday, Sept. 11.
- Spread
Colorado -7
- Moneyline
Colorado -275, Colorado State +220
- Over/Under
58.5
- Game time
7:30 p.m. ET
- Location
Canvas Stadium | Fort Collins, Colo.
- How to Watch
CBS
Colorado opened as -7.5 favorites, and after briefly climbing to -9, the spread has settled back to -7. The total, which opened at 59.5, has only dropped slightly to 58.5, which is expected to remain until kickoff.
Similarly, the moneyline has seen little movement. Colorado State started as +240 underdogs, and their odds have only shifted slightly to +220, indicating minimal changes in the betting landscape as the game approaches.
Check out our other Week 3 betting picks in college football!
Prediction for Colorado vs. Colorado State
In last year’s matchup, Shedeur Sanders threw 348 yards and four touchdowns for Colorado, while Colorado State’s Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi surpassed him with 367 yards and three touchdowns.
However, Fowler-Nicolosi also threw three costly interceptions. So far in 2024, Fowler-Nicolosi and the Rams’ passing game have struggled to gain traction. Facing a tough opener against Texas didn’t help, but he’s only managed 261 yards and one touchdown through two games.
Adding to the Rams’ concerns, top receiver Tory Horton may miss this game with a groin injury, raising questions about who Fowler-Nicolosi will target. No other Rams player has more than three receptions on the season, making their offensive outlook even murkier.
Colorado is dealing with injury issues of their own. Running back Dallan Hayden is doubtful with an undisclosed injury, leaving Charlie Offerdahl as the primary option in the backfield. Offerdahl has only nine carries for 19 yards this season.
On the bright side for Colorado, two-way star Travis Hunter has 17 catches for 242 yards and three touchdowns through two games, making him a key playmaker on both offense and defense.
Since Coach Prime took over, the Colorado Buffaloes have only won two games by eight or more points: a 36-14 victory over Nebraska and last year’s 43-35 overtime win against Colorado State.
Another concern is Colorado’s performance against the spread (ATS), as the Buffaloes are 0-2 ATS this season. The betting world seems to be cooling on Colorado after their struggles, especially last week against Nebraska, where they were outmuscled in the trenches. However, Colorado State doesn’t pose the same physical threat.
With better skill players and enough protection to keep Shedeur Sanders upright, Colorado should control this game as they did in their season opener against North Dakota State. Despite being on the road, the Buffs are in a favorable position.
Though 58% of the tickets and 60% of the handle are on Colorado State as home underdogs, I’m fading the public. Colorado gets their first cover of the season.
The Prediction: Colorado 34, Colorado State 23
Best Bet: Colorado -7
