BYU vs. Colorado State Prediction: Week 3 Odds, Picks & Best Bet
No. 11 BYU looks to continue its climb atop the polls while facing a Colorado State team that is a perceived mismatch on paper, but my BYU vs. Colorado State prediction looks towards the total as a better value play as the point spread has moved largely towards the Rams. I also add my top touchdown scorer wager as part of our college football Week 3 predictions.
The Fort Collins crowd at Canvas Stadium should be fired up for new head coach Jim Mora’s first game against a ranked opponent. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, airing on CBS. BYU is a 17.5-point favorite.
🏈 BYU vs. Colorado State picks & predictions
See all of our experts' college football picks for Week 3 based on the latest college football odds.
| Pick | Bet size |
|---|---|
| ATS: Colorado State +17.5 (-108 via BetMGM) | 1 unit to win 0.93 units |
| O/U: Under 53.5 (-115 via FanDuel) | 1 unit to win 0.87 units |
Total wagered: 2 units | Max profit: 1.8 units
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💰 BYU vs. Colorado State prediction & best bet
Check out all of our college football predictions for more analysis across this week's slate.
Under 53.5 (-115 via FanDuel)
Sharps seem to believe in Jim Mora’s ability to turn around the Rams in one short season after bring with him a lot of UConn transfers, taking the line from an opening number of -20.5 down to -17.5. With less value at the lower number and the fact that BYU is 9-0 ATS in its last nine games against non-conference opponents, I’m instead backing the Under on a line oddsmakers seem to be comfortable rooting for. The number hasn’t budged despite 70% of the wagers backing the Over.
BYU will have no issues turning this game into a ground-and-pound contest while returning arguably the best quarterback/running back duo in Bear Bachmeier and LJ Martin. And while the Rams have averaged 6.9 yards per carry through two games, their offensive line is too thin for a Cougars defensive front that ranks in the top 50 in defensive rushing success rate and explosives.
📡 SBR Edge: Avoiding another shootout?
The Over has cashed in each of Colorado State's last four games. But I'm banking on a philosophical coaching change from Jim Mora, who likely doesn't want to get into a shootout with the higher-ranked Cougars, to end that Over streak.
BYU's rushing attack to shorten the game
Martin is the reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year who is coming off a 1,305-yard season. He is a bulldozing back who forced 56 missed tackles and averaged nearly four yards after first contact last season.
Bachmeier takes a lot of defensive attention away from Martin with his own rushing ability. The QB has a rushing score in each of the first two games. His 10 overall rushing attempts and the fact that five different Cougars have scored a rushing touchdown suggest that BYU should continue to lean on its running game in this road environment.
Score prediction: BYU 31, Colorado State 17
📊 Live BYU vs. Colorado State odds
See the latest college football odds for every Week 3 matchup.
BYU vs. Colorado State opening odds
- Moneyline: BYU -1587 | Colorado State +1050
- Spread: BYU -20.5 (-110) | Colorado State +20.5 (-108)
- Over/Under: Over 52.5 (-110) | Under 52.5 (-108)
📺 How to watch BYU vs. Colorado State: Week 3
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
- Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Canvas Stadium (Fort Collins, Colo.)
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+ Premium
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Sportsbook Review may receive a commission if you sign up through our links. Not intended for use in MA. Bonuses not applicable in Ontario. 21+ only. (Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
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