Colorado vs. Northwestern Prediction: Week 3 Odds, Picks & Best Bet
My best Colorado vs. Northwestern prediction focuses on Colorado's balanced team getting the better of Northwestern. Below, I explain why Colorado's defense will prove to be too much for a Northwestern offense that struggled against South Dakota State, especially with weather expected to play a significant role in this game.
Northwestern is favored by 3.5 ahead of Saturday's 7:30 p.m. ET game at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium in Evanston, Ill. The game will air on FOX and stream on FOX One.
🏈 Colorado vs. Northwestern 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 +3.5 (-110 via FanDuel) | 1.5 units to win 1.36 units |
| O/U: Under 48.5 (-115 via FanDuel) | 1 unit to win 0.87 units |
Total wagered: 2.5 units | Max profit: 2.23 units
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💰 Colorado vs. Northwestern prediction & best bet
Check out all of our college football predictions for more analysis across this week's slate.
Colorado +3.5 (-110 via FanDuel)
Colorado's defense has impressed me this season, even if it allowed 21 points to Weber State. In Week 1, Colorado went on the road to Georgia Tech and didn't allow an offensive touchdown. Last week, Colorado's defensive starters allowed just one touchdown drive of more than 28 yards.
Northwestern has only played one game. While the offense managed 34 points, the performance came against South Dakota State and was reliant on huge plays. Two of Northwestern's scoring drives were two plays or fewer for 80 yards or more. Colorado's defense hasn't provided those types of opportunities this season.
Additionally, the weather is supposed to be an issue on Saturday, with a 96% chance of rain and 16-mph wind gusts. This should keep the contest low-scoring, which favors the better defensive team in Colorado.
📡 SBR Edge
Colorado and Northwestern each have a +1 turnover margin, but I expect Colorado to win the turnover battle on Saturday, as Julian Lewis hasn't thrown an interception in any of his six collegiate appearances.
Colorado's offense will be too much for Northwestern
Julian Lewis threw for 366 yards and four touchdowns against Weber State, setting career highs in both categories. While he only managed 124 yards against Georgia Tech, I expect him to have success against a defense that really struggled in its first game.
Northwestern allowed South Dakota State to rack up 432 yards. Considering Northwestern led just 20-18 in the fourth quarter, it's not like quarterback Chase Mason and the rest of his offense were picking up easy yards in garbage time. In that game, Northwestern wasn't good against the run or pass, and I expect Lewis and running back Micah Welch to move the ball rather easily in sloppy conditions.
Score prediction: Colorado 21 Northwestern 20
📊 Live Colorado vs. Northwestern odds
See the latest college football odds for every Week 3 matchup.
Colorado vs. Northwestern opening odds
- Moneyline: Colorado +145 | Northwestern -175
- Spread: Colorado +4.5 (-110) | Northwestern -4.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 45.5 (-110) | Under 45.5 (-110)
📺 How to watch Colorado vs. Northwestern: Week 3
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
- Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium (Evanston, Ill.)
- TV: FOX
- Streaming: FOX One
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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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