Fresh off a disappointing defeat at Nebraska, Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes (1-1) will visit the rival Colorado State Rams (1-1) in the Rocky Mountain Showdown on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
The Rams, who picked up their first victory of the season last weekend against Northern Colorado, will be eager to avenge their 43-35 double-overtime loss in Boulder last year.
As we get set for a compelling rematch, let’s examine the latest betting odds and check out my Colorado vs Colorado State prediction and best bets.
Colorado vs Colorado State Odds
College Football Odds are current as of Monday, Sept. 9, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Colorado (-298) vs Colorado State (+240)
- Spread: Colorado -7.5 (-108) vs Colorado State +7.5 (-112)
- Over/Under: Over 58.5 (-110) / Under 58.5 (-110)
Colorado vs Colorado State Prediction
Colorado State 34, Colorado 28
If this game is anything like last year’s, we are in for a treat.
In case you don’t remember, CSU led that contest 28-17 in the fourth quarter, only to surrender 11 unanswered points — capped off by a 45-yard touchdown pass from Shedeur Sanders to Jimmy Horn Jr. with less than a minute remaining.
Colorado then scored touchdowns on both possessions in overtime and picked off CSU QB Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi in 2OT to secure the win.
This time, I’m backing Fowler-Nicolosi and the Rams to have the last laugh.
CSU outgained the Buffaloes 499-418 last year, and senior WR Tory Horton (16-133-1) has already proved he can carve up a CU secondary that will likely be without Shilo Sanders (forearm).
If Fowler-Nicolosi learns from last season’s mistakes (3 INT) and takes care of the football, the Rams can win this game.
Sportsbook Play of the Day
Colorado vs Colorado State Best Bets
Colorado State +7.5 (-112)
Fading Colorado as a favorite is typically a wise investment.
The Buffs can’t run the football and aren’t great on defense, so they will struggle to put teams away.
That was the case in their five-point Week 1 win over North Dakota State, even though Shedeur Sanders (445 passing yards, four touchdowns) and Travis Hunter (7-198-1) put up gaudy numbers.
That should be the case again on Saturday, so take the Rams and the points as one of your best college football bets today.
Over 58.5 Points (-110)
As long as Shedeur Sanders recovers from the hit that forced him out of the Nebraska game, this game should go Over the total.
CSU struggled to stop Quinn Ewers and the Texas passing attack in its season opener, and it could be an equally long day for this defense against Sanders and Colorado.
However, I expect the Rams to have some success against a Buffaloes defense that has allowed 27 points per game and is dealing with injury issues.
Look for this contest to be another high-scoring thriller.
