North Dakota State vs. Colorado Prediction, Pick Against the Spread, Latest Odds
The Colorado Buffaloes will start fresh in 2024 as they attempt to wash away the end of last year. Can Shedeur Sanders and the Buffs prove themselves with a blowout against FCS North Dakota State? Matt McCuen thinks so and provides his prediction and pick for North Dakota State vs. Colorado.
Matt McCuen - August 29, 2024, 10:22 AM EDT
5 minNorth Dakota State vs. Colorado Prediction, Pick Against the Spread, Latest Odds
The Colorado Buffaloes will host the North Dakota State Bison to kick off Week 1 of the college football season.
Colorado comes into 2024 looking to prove a point.
After a hot start last season, head coach Deion Sanders saw his team crack into the Top 25.
The Buffs started 3-0, including wins over TCU and Nebraska.
The rest of the season was a disaster, as Colorado went 1-8 over their last nine games to finish dead last in the Pac-12.
North Dakota State vs. Colorado Start Time, Where To Watch, Odds
- Date: Thursday, August 29, 2024
- Game Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN
North Dakota State vs. Colorado Odds
- Spread: North Dakota State +9.5 (-105), Colorado -9.5 (-115)
- Total Odds: O 59.5 (-110), U 59.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: North Dakota State (+280), Colorado (-360)
North Dakota State vs. Colorado Prediction
Despite their struggles on the field, Colorado has become one of the most recognizable brands in the sport.
Coach Prime's squad was consistently one of the most viewed games of the week.
Expectations are higher this year as the Buffs improved in the transfer portal and returned some serious talent on offense.
Shedeur Sanders will be back under center for the Buffs. A season ago, Sanders was stunting like his daddy, passing for 3,230 yards, 27 touchdowns, and three interceptions. Additionally, Sanders rushed for four touchdowns.
Junior Charlie Offerdahl and sophomore Dallas Hayden are expected to split touches in the backfield.
Travis Hunter Jr. will be Sanders's top target. Hunter is regarded as the best player in college football, starting on both sides of the ball.
The Buffs added four-star transfers Tyler Johnson, who will help their offensive line, and Will Sheppard, who will be another threat at wide receiver for the offensive unit.
Colorado added a lot of talent on the defensive side of the ball in the portal, including four-star transfers Samuel Okunlola (DL) and Quincey Wiggins (DL).
North Dakota State will attempt to pull off the upset tonight.
The Bison have been a powerhouse in the FCS while producing solid NFL talent.
North Dakota State has 17 championships in program history.
Their last championship came in 2021.
Senior Cam Miller returns under center for the Bison. Miller threw for 2,687 yards, 19 touchdowns, and four interceptions in 2023. Miller is a threat with his legs, as he rushed for a career-best 645 yards and 13 touchdowns a year ago.
Barika Kpeenu should be one of the top options in the rushing game. Kpeenu rushed for 502 yards and four touchdowns last year.
Freshman wide receiver Jackson Williams is expected to be one of the top options in the passing game.
Linebacker Logan Kopp ranked second on the team with 84 tackles a year ago.
North Dakota State vs. Colorado Pick
The Buffs will be a popular play tonight, but I will be riding with the public.
I believe that this Colorado team is underrated and being undervalued tonight.
Sanders is one of the best quarterbacks in the nation, and will have his way facing an FCS defense.
Colorado's defense improved significantly in the portal, making this team a serious threat this season.
Let’s stay hot and cash tonight!
Pick: Colorado -9 -115 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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