North Dakota State vs Colorado Prediction College Football Picks 8/29/24

Colorado Buffaloes Betting Preview

The Colorado Buffaloes won 4 games last year, made the move to the Big 12 and entered the second year under coach Deion Sanders. Colorado is still looking for its first bowl berth since the 2020 season. Colorado doesn’t return a single starter from a rough offensive line, and off-rip gets highly recruited Jordan Seaton to anchor a spot. Shedeur Sanders is one of the top returning quarterbacks in the country after throwing for 3,200 yards and 27 touchdowns along with just 3 interceptions. Ohio State transfer Dallan Hayden will get the bulk of the reps after averaging 5.1 yards per touch on 130 carries, while Jimmy Horn and Travis Hunter are one of the best-receiving duos in college football.

Defensively, Colorado returns six starters, with Hunter being the star at cornerback as well. Pittsburgh transfer Dayon Hayes and Oklahoma State transfer DJ McKinney should be injected into starting roles. Deions other son Shilo Sanders will get another year at safety after producing 70 total tackles and 3 pass deflections. The Colorado Buffaloes will be fun to watch, as there’s once again explosive potential on the offensive side. The problem is Colorado was owned in the trenches last year and the Buffaloes aren’t going to get where they’re trying to go if that doesn’t change.

Why the Colorado Buffaloes will win

• Colorado has won each of its last seven games against non-FBS teams.
• Colorado has covered the spread in four of its last five games.

Total Points Facts

• Four of Colorado's last five home games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Colorado was one of only 19 FBS teams to win 2+ games when trailing after Q3 last season.
• Colorado was one of only 22 FBS teams to lose 2+ games when leading after Q3 last season.

North Dakota State vs Colorado Prediction

The Colorado Buffaloes are getting the benefit of the doubt for obvious reasons and are the more talented team. You're rarely going to get an FCS team favored over an FBS team. However, there's a lot of roster turnover with Colorado, especially on the offensive line and on defense. It's going to take time for Colorado to really get rolling.

Also, the North Dakota State Bison are the best FCS program by a long shot, with 9 titles since 2011. North Dakota State is the Alabama of the FCS ranks and certainly will not enter this game intimidated. In fact, I guarantee North Dakota State believes it can win this game outright. This is a dangerous game for Colorado. Give me North Dakota State and the points.