Colorado vs. Boise State Prediction, Pick: Can Tyson Degenhart, Broncos Surprise Buffaloes in First Four?
Can Tyson Degenhart and the Broncos surprise the Buffaloes in First Four? Ben Rajavuori takes a closer look at the Colorado vs. Boise State game. He shares his best bet.
Ben Rajavuori - March 20, 2024, 4:10 PM EDT
5 minColorado vs. Boise State Prediction, Pick: Can Tyson Degenhart, Broncos Surprise Buffaloes in First Four?
The Colorado Buffaloes and Boise State Broncos will battle it out for the final spot in the NCAA tournament in the last game of the First Four round. The winner of this game decides the 10 seed in the south region, with the winner going on to face Florida in the Round of 64. Colorado opened as the favorite in this game and the line has steamed up to -3.5 for the Buffaloes. What should we expect in this game?
COLORADO VS. BOISE STATE DATE, TIME, WHERE TO WATCH
- Date: March 20, 2024
- Game Time: 9:10 pm ET
- Where to Watch: TruTV
COLORADO VS. BOISE STATE PREDICTION
Colorado has done well this season under long-time head coach Tad Boyle. This is the sixth appearance for Boyle in 13 seasons. Colorado has not made it since 2021 when they lost in the second round, but this was the most wins in a season for Boyle's Buffaloes since 2012. There is a lot of hype around this team, but they have a stiff test against the impressive Broncos.
The Boise State Broncos are in the tournament for their third season in a row under Leon Rice. After six straight years without a tournament appearance for Leon Rice and the Broncos, they have put together three incredible seasons in a row. While they have lost in the first round of the previous two tournament appearances, this is arguably the best the Broncos have looked in a while.
Colorado enters this game as the more experienced team that is filled with seniors up and down the roster. Four of their five starters are seniors, while KJ Simpson is a junior. However, my knack for Colorado is their failure to play well on the road this season. Colorado was 24–10 this season, but they built that on a 16-1 record at home. They went just 4–7 on the road and 4–2 in neutral-site games.
On the other hand, Tyson Degenhart and Boise State played better on the road, going 7–3 in true road games and 2–4 in neutral site games. They played one less game on the road or at a neutral site and came away with one more win than Colorado. Boise State also played a much tougher schedule, as Colorado ranked just 245th in non-conference strength of schedule, while Boise State ranked 25th in non-conference strength of schedule.
Overall, I can see why Colorado is favored in this game, but I do not agree that they should be laying 3.5 points in this game. We often see very close games in the tournament, and I would not be surprised if this game came down to the final possession. Therefore, I find lots of value in taking Boise State with the points, as I will feel much more comfortable coming down the wire of this game having points with the Broncos. Both teams are tested, but Boise State played better on the road against tougher strength of schedule this season. Colorado had fewer marquee wins on their résumé and did not play nearly as well on the road. Take the Broncos to at least cover, or potentially move on to the first round.
COLORADO VS. BOISE STATE Pick
Pick: Boise State +3.5 -115 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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