One of college football’s most popular teams will take the field again this Saturday, Sept. 7, at 7:30 p.m. ET when the Colorado Buffaloes (1-0) visit the Nebraska Cornhuskers (1-0).
Shedeur Sanders and the Buffs escaped FCS North Dakota State in Week 1, rallying in the second half for a 31-26 victory. Meanwhile, the Cornhuskers beat down on UTEP, 40-7, behind freshman QB Dylan Raiola’s two touchdowns.
Will Colorado improve to 2-0 ahead of a big matchup with in-state rival Colorado State? Or will Nebraska overcome the hype and take care of business at home? Check out the latest Colorado vs Nebraska odds and find my predictions and best bets below.
Colorado vs Nebraska Odds
College football odds are current as of Tuesday, Sept. 3, and courtesy of bet365 Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Colorado (+220) vs Nebraska (-270)
- Spread: Colorado +7 (+100) vs Nebraska -7 (-120)
- Over/Under: Over 57.5 (-110) / Under 57.5 (-110)
Colorado vs Nebraska Prediction
Colorado 27, Nebraska 24
Colorado only won four games in 2023, but Nebraska was among the few opponents it managed to defeat. Both teams have undergone countless changes since then, but it stands to reason that the Buffaloes should at least be competitive.
If Colorado is going to get the job done, Sanders will need to be as sharp as he was in Week 1 in the win over North Dakota State. The senior QB went 26-of-34 for 445 yards and four touchdowns, and perhaps most importantly, he was only sacked one time.
Winning the battle in the trenches will be crucial for both sides. The Cornhuskers can’t afford to give Sanders time, but they have the superior line and are led by senior Nash Hutmacher, who recorded eight tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in 2023.
Should this one come down to QB play, though, I have to lean in favor of the Buffaloes. Raiola had a solid debut, but he’s inexperienced, and an opportunistic Colorado defense could become the story of this matchup for the second year in a row.
Sportsbook Play of the Day
Colorado vs Nebraska Best Bets
Colorado +7 (+100) @ Nebraska
I’m not confident enough in the Buffaloes to take them outright at (+220), but I can’t pass up the chance to back them as 7-point underdogs at plus-money. Five of Colorado’s eight losses in 2023 were decided by seven points or less, and this figures to be a competitive contest.
The Buffaloes failed to cover as home favorites against North Dakota State in Week 1, but this team went 6-2 against the spread as underdogs last season, and it certainly feels like they embrace that mentality. Colorado should also feel comfortable taking on a familiar opponent.
Take the points and make this your college football bet of the day.
Under 57.5 Points (-110)
Colorado played in plenty of high-scoring games last year, but this seems like an especially high total for the Cornhuskers, who are known for their defense. Yes, Nebraska put up 40 points in Week 1, but UTEP ranks among the worst teams in the FBS.
I don’t doubt that this one could play into the low 50s, but this total feels inflated due to Colorado’s reputation and popularity. I’m on the Under.
