Colorado vs. Colorado State Prediction, Picks & Odds: Week 3
Following a four-year hiatus, these rivals returned to trading blows last season, and they'll meet again at Saturday as Colorado visits Colorado State's campus for the first time since 1996.
If this game is anything like last year's, get your popcorn ready. The trash talk started early in the week following last season's thriller, and the Buffaloes serve as just more than a touchdown favorite this time around.
The Rams haven't won this rivalry game at home since 1955, but can they reverse that against Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter, and Co.
We're passing on the stars in this game - for that, be sure to check out our Shedeur Sanders & Travis Hunter player props - to zero in on an under-the-radar running back for the underdogs.
We have this game fully covered for our college football Week 3 predictions, as we're also breaking it down with our Colorado vs. Colorado State player props.
Best Colorado vs. Colorado State picks
College football picks based on the odds from our best college football betting sites. Odds subject to change.
- Spread pick: Colorado State +7.5 (-122 via FanDuel) vs. Colorado ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Player prop: Justin Marshall 70+ rushing yards (-105 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Colorado vs. Colorado State spread prediction: Week 3
Colorado State to cover the spread: +7.5 (-122) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Colorado went 4-8 last year, and one of those four wins was a 43-35 double-overtime thriller over Colorado State.
But the Buffaloes had absolutely no business winning that game, and regression to the mean in several areas suggests Colorado State should at least cover the spread in the rematch.
Colorado was lucky to beat Colorado State last year
In last season’s home victory, Colorado erased a 28-17 deficit with 11:22 left in the fourth quarter.
Colorado State had plenty of chances to put the game away, but it turned the ball over four times (two in the red zone), had three touchdowns called back, and committed 17 penalties for 182 yards, 95 yards more than Colorado.
Colorado State has a massive advantage on the offensive line
Colorado State has one of the most experienced offensive lines in the country, led by center Jacob Gardner, who has started 47 games in his career.
Gardner and the rest of the offensive line allowed just 14 sacks last year (tied for 11th-best among FBS teams) and one through two games in 2024.
And they didn't concede any against Texas, one of the most disruptive defensive lines in the country.
In addition, the Rams average 5.1 yards per carry and 1.2 yards per carry more than their opponents.
Meanwhile, Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders is running for his life behind yet another revamped offensive line this season.
Sanders was sacked six times and hurried on 10 other dropbacks against Nebraska, while the Cornhuskers recorded 10 tackles for loss, constantly putting Colorado in third-and-long situations.
Buffaloes dealing with a big injury in the secondary
Coach Prime’s other son, Shilo Sanders, will miss this week’s game after having surgery on his forearm. The safety led Colorado in tackles (70) and forced fumbles (four) last season.
This would be a no-play at +7 or lower, so I was excited to see FanDuel as the only one of the best sports betting sites offering +7.5.
And if anyone scoffs at the steeper -122 price, know that the lines at competing online sportsbooks like DraftKings are juiced even more (-126).
A $10 winning wager would pay out $18.20.
Best odds: -122 via FanDuel | Implied probability: 54.95%
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Colorado vs. Colorado State player prop
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Justin Marshall 70+ rushing yards (-105) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Colorado held Colorado State to 2.6 yards per carry last year, but that was an anomaly, as the Buffaloes finished among the 25 worst FBS teams in stopping the run (176.4 rushing yards allowed per game).
Colorado State finished with a 53% success rate in running plays against Texas, compared to a below-average 26% success rate on passing downs (it averaged 3.7 yards per play on passing downs).
Despite limited success in last year's meeting with Colorado, the Rams stayed committed to the run with 39 attempts.
I expect them to employ a similar game plan.
Colorado has only rushed for 65 yards through two games, which does not bode well for its chances of winning the time-of-possession battle.
FanDuel’s O/U for Marshall’s rushing yards is 68.5, with the Over juiced to -114.
The better value is to back him to eclipse the 70-yard mark. With a winning $10 wager, bettors would return $9.52 in profits through DraftKings instead of $8.77 at FanDuel.
Best odds: -105 via DraftKings | Implied probability: 51.22%
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Colorado vs. Colorado State odds
See all of this week's college football odds and NCAAF scores.
Colorado vs. Colorado State game info
- When: Saturday, Sept. 14
- Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Where: Canvas Stadium (Fort Collins, Colo.)
- How to watch: CBS
- Weather: 85 degrees, 0% chance of precipitation, wind 8 mph
- Favorite: Colorado (-275 via BetMGM)
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