Colorado State vs Colorado Prediction - College Football Picks 9/16/23
The Colorado State Rams will play the Colorado Buffaloes in a non-conference game on Saturday night at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado. Colorado has started the season 2-0 and they have a ton of hype, while Colorado State started the season with a loss to Washington State in Week 1.
Colorado State Preview
The Colorado State Rams are 0-1 this season after they lost to Washington State by a score of 50-24 in Week 1. Colorado State trailed this game 36-3 early in the fourth quarter, but they were able to score 21 points in the final quarter. The Rams were out gained by a total of 556-357 and turned the ball over two times in the loss. Colorado State went 5-14 on third down attempts and 1-3 on fourth downs. Clay Millen threw for 110 yards and a pick, while Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi threw for 210 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception for the Rams. Avery Morrow rushed for 29 yards, while Justus Ross-Simmons caught five passes for 123 yards and one score. The Colorado State defense allowed 466 passing yards, which is not a good sign coming into this matchup with Colorado.
Colorado Preview
The Colorado Buffaloes are 2-0 this year after they defeated Nebraska by a score of 36-14 in their last game. Colorado got off to a slow start this game, but they did lead 13-0 at the half. The Buffaloes opened up a 36-7 lead in the fourth quarter, before Nebraska scored with no time remaining. The Buffaloes out gained Nebraska by a total of 454-341 and forced four turnovers in the win. Colorado defeated TCU by a score of 45-42 in their season opener. The Colorado offense is averaging 40.5 points per game with 453 passing yards per game and 56.5 rushing yards per game, while going 57.6% on third down attempts. Shedeur Sanders has thrown for 903 yards and six touchdowns for the Buffaloes this year. Dylan Edwards has rushed for 79 yards and one touchdown, while Xavier Weaver has caught 16 passes for 288 yards and one score. The Colorado defense is allowing 28 points against per game, but they did play much better against Nebraska.
Colorado Buffaloes Team Facts
- Colorado has won each of its last four matches at Folsom Field when playing with a rest disadvantage.
- Colorado has covered the spread in each of its last four games against Colorado State.
- Each of Colorado's last six games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
Colorado State Rams Team Facts
- Colorado State has lost each of its last six games in September.
- Colorado State has failed to cover the spread in each of its last five games against non-conference opponents.
- Colorado State has lost the first half in each of its last five games against non-conference opponents.
- Nine of Colorado State's last 10 games as an underdog against AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Colorado suffered the most losses by a margin of 20+ points of any FBS team last season (10).
- Colorado suffered the most losses by a margin of 25+ points of any FBS team last season (9).
- Colorado State ranked T38th among FBS teams for H2 points allowed per game last season (11.3).
Pick
Colorado comes into this game as a pretty big favorite to win and for good reason. The Buffaloes have looked very good in their first two games, while Colorado State allowed 50 points to Washington State in their only game. Colorado should be able to move the ball easily in this game, but I think the Rams will find some success as well. The Colorado offense should carry most of the load in this game and I like the over here.
AUTHOR: David Racey
