Colorado vs Colorado State Picks and Prediction – 9/14/2024

The Colorado Buffaloes (1-1) are set to face the Colorado State Rams (1-1) in a highly anticipated matchup on September 14th at Sonny Lubick Field. Colorado comes into this game after a tough 28-10 loss to Nebraska, while Colorado State picked up a 38-17 win against Northern Colorado. Both teams look to gain momentum early in the season. Dominate the college scene with our College Football picks.

Colorado's offense is led by Shedeur Sanders, who is averaging 344.5 passing yards per game with 5 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Travis Hunter continues to be a key player with 17 receptions for 242 yards and 3 touchdowns, while Dallan Hayden leads the team in rushing with 52 yards. The Buffaloes are ranked 1st in passing yards per game (445), but the ground game has been lacking, ranked 69th in rushing yards per game (59). Defensively, Colorado allows 26 points per game, with the last game exposing weaknesses in both pass and rush defense.

On the defensive side, Colorado has given up an average of 26 points per game, struggling against the run and allowing significant yardage in the loss to Nebraska. The Buffaloes will need to tighten the defensive front, particularly against the run, as the rush defense ranks lower in the national standings. Improving the pass rush and limiting big plays will be key against the Rams' offense.

Colorado State enters this matchup following a solid win against Northern Colorado. Quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi has passed for 239 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. The Rams have found success in the run game, led by Justin Marshall with 173 rushing yards and an impressive 4.9 yards per carry. They will look to establish the run early, considering Colorado's vulnerabilities in run defense.

Defensively, Colorado State allowed just 17 points in the last outing but will face a much stiffer challenge against Sanders and the Buffaloes' high-flying offense. The Rams' secondary will need to be on point to contain Hunter and the receiving corps, and the defensive line will have to pressure Sanders to limit his passing success.

Colorado's potent passing game, led by Sanders and Hunter, will be too much for the Rams to handle. Although the Buffaloes' defense has shown cracks, the offensive firepower should carry them through this matchup. Expect a comfortable win for Colorado. Final Score Prediction: Colorado wins and covers 34-20.