Colorado State Rams vs Colorado Buffaloes Picks and Predictions September 14th 2024

Looking at the odds for this Colorado Buffaloes vs. Colorado State Rams matchup, the over/under line is currently sitting at 58.5 points. Kick-off is set for 7:30 ET from Sonny Lubick Field at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins, with CBS handling the broadcast. The Buffaloes are the -7.5-point favorites on the road. Both teams are 1-1 so far this season.

Colorado vs. Colorado State Key Information

• Teams: Buffaloes at Rams
• Where: Sonny Lubick Field at Canvas Stadium Fort Collins
• Date: Saturday, September 14th
• Betting Odds COL -301 | COLST +240 O/U 58.5

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The Buffaloes Can Win If…

Colorado is now 1-1 on the season after an 18-point loss to Nebraska. The Buffaloes, who were +6.5 point underdogs, failed to cover the spread, and the game’s total score of 38 points fell short of the over/under line of 55 points.

Nebraska took control early, leading 14-0 at the end of the first quarter. The Cornhuskers extended their lead to 28-0 by halftime, and Colorado managed to score a field goal in the third quarter and a touchdown in the fourth, while Nebraska added one more touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Colorado’s offense, led by quarterback Shedeur Sanders, put up 260 yards in their 28-10 loss to Nebraska. Sanders completed 23 of 38 passes for 244 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. Travis Hunter was his top target, hauling in 10 receptions for 110 yards.

The Buffaloes managed to convert 15 first downs but struggled to establish a ground game, finishing with just 16 rushing yards on 22 attempts. Dallan Hayden led the team in rushing with 32 yards on five carries.

Colorado’s defense will be looking to improve after giving up 336 total yards and 28 points in their most recent game. The Buffaloes allowed 185 passing yards and 151 rushing yards, with two rushing touchdowns and one touchdown through the air. They struggled to get off the field, allowing 22 first downs to Nebraska’s offense.

• Over their last three regular season games, the Colorado Buffaloes have gone 1-2 straight up. Their record against the spread in this stretch is 1-2 to go along with an over-under mark of 1-2.
• Through their last ten regular season contests, Colorado has a record of 2-8. This includes going 5-4-1 vs. the spread along with an over-under mark of 5-5.

The Rams Can Win If…

Colorado State evened their record to 1-1 with a 38-17 win over Northern Colorado. This game had no betting lines available.

The Rams took an early 10-7 lead and then dominated the second quarter, adding 14 points while holding Northern Colorado scoreless. Heading into halftime, Colorado State led 24-7. The teams each scored once in the third quarter, and the Rams outscored Northern Colorado 7-3 in the fourth quarter.

Colorado State’s offense was led by quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, who completed 66.7% of his passes for 202 yards and one touchdown. His top target, Tory Horton, caught three passes for 65 yards to lead the team in receiving.

The Rams’ ground game was a major factor, with 224 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Keegan Holles was the leading rusher, averaging 8.9 yards per carry and contributing 89 yards on the ground, including one touchdown.

Colorado State’s defense will be looking to improve after allowing 191 passing yards and two touchdowns in their most recent game. Overall, they gave up 298 total yards and 17 points to Northern Colorado. The Rams were more successful against the run, holding their opponents to just 107 yards on the ground.

• The Colorado State Rams have posted a 3-0 record in their previous three games. Against the spread, they have gone 0-3 and logged an over-under record of 2-1 in these games.
• Through their last ten regular season contests, Colorado State has a record of 7-3. This includes going 3-7 vs. the spread along with an over-under mark of 4-6.

The Lean

Our combined score projection for this matchup is 57 points, just under the current over/under line of 58.5 points. With this in mind, taking the under looks like a strong play.

Colorado State comes into this game as +7.5 point underdogs, but we have them winning straight-up with a final score of 31-26. If you’re looking for a pick vs. the spread, take Colorado State to cover and win outright.

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Colorado State Aims to Reclaim Centennial Cup in Rocky Mountain Showdown Against Colorado

The historic rivalry between the Colorado Buffaloes and Colorado State Rams reignites on Saturday as both teams battle for the Centennial Cup in the Rocky Mountain Showdown. This year’s game, held in Fort Collins, marks the first time the matchup will be played on the Rams’ campus since 1996, adding extra excitement to an already fierce rivalry.

The Stakes of the Centennial Cup

A Rivalry Spanning Over a Century

Dating back to 1893, the Centennial Cup symbolizes football supremacy in Colorado. Colorado (1-1) holds a commanding 68-22-2 advantage in the all-time series and is eager to defend its 43-35 double-overtime win from last year. After a tough 28-10 loss to Nebraska, the Buffaloes are looking for redemption, while Colorado State (1-1) comes into the game with momentum after a 38-17 win over Northern Colorado.

Colorado’s Struggles and Focus on Rebounding

Offensive Struggles Against Nebraska

Colorado’s offense struggled mightily in their loss to Nebraska last weekend. Trailing 28-0 at halftime, the Buffaloes couldn’t find their rhythm. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, under constant pressure, was sacked four times. Despite these challenges, Sanders threw for 244 yards and a touchdown but also had a costly pick-six.

Head coach Deion Sanders emphasized the importance of improving the running game and protecting the quarterback:

“Running the football is an attitude you have to have,” Sanders said. “You have to whup your guy on that particular play. We’ve committed to it on certain plays, we just have to do a better job of it.”

The Buffaloes managed only 32 rushing yards from Dallan Hayden on five carries, highlighting the need for a stronger ground game against Colorado State.

Colorado State’s Momentum and Game Plan

Building Off a Win

Colorado State enters the showdown feeling confident after defeating Northern Colorado. Quarterback Braden Fowler-Nicolosi threw for 180 yards and a touchdown, while running back Keegan Holles added 89 rushing yards and a score, providing a balanced offensive effort.

Rams head coach Jay Norvell understands the challenge Colorado’s high-powered offense presents, especially with Shedeur Sanders at the helm:

“Everything starts with their offense and quarterback,” Norvell said. “They are very, very capable of being very explosive. They have a lot of speed at wide receiver and are very fast with (Travis) Hunter, (Jimmy) Horn Jr., and (LaJohntay) Wester.”

Norvell stressed the importance of controlling the game and staying disciplined, knowing that limiting mistakes will be crucial to stopping Colorado’s potent attack.

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Key Players to Watch

Shedeur Sanders Leading Colorado’s Rebound Effort

Shedeur Sanders will be a key figure in Colorado’s efforts to rebound from their offensive struggles against Nebraska. He remains a talented passer who will need to find his targets under pressure. His go-to option, Travis Hunter, plays a vital role on both sides of the ball. Hunter, a standout wide receiver and defensive back, leads the team with 17 catches for 242 yards and three touchdowns.

Despite playing an incredible 128 of 136 snaps against Nebraska, Hunter was held in check, catching just three passes for seven yards. Look for Colorado to get him more involved on offense as they try to ignite their passing attack.

Colorado State’s Defense and Offense

On the Rams’ side, containing Colorado’s explosive offense will be key. Jay Norvell highlighted the importance of staying focused and minimizing mistakes. For Colorado State, Keegan Holles will be vital in controlling the clock and keeping Colorado’s offense off the field. Fowler-Nicolosi will also need to protect the ball and capitalize on any scoring opportunities.

What’s at Stake

Bragging Rights and Momentum

The Centennial Cup isn’t just about bragging rights—it’s about momentum. Colorado wants to continue their dominance in the series and reclaim their winning form after the Nebraska loss. Colorado State, on the other hand, is eager to win the trophy for the first time since 2014 and do so in front of a home crowd, making the atmosphere even more electric.

With Colorado holding a dominant 68-22-2 advantage, the Rams will need a near-flawless game plan to knock off the Buffaloes, but the rivalry atmosphere and home-field advantage could give them a boost.