3% Colorado State (7:30 ET): You all know the story here. Last year in Boulder, we took Colorado State (got ‘em +24), on the road, against a then-unbeaten “Coach Prime” and Colorado. I wasn’t alone, most people that I’d consider “sharp” backed the Rams that day. And it was clearly the right play as CSU led outright, 28-17, with just over eight minutes remaining. Eventually, they lost (43-35 in double overtime), but still easily covered the number. Afterwards, many Rams’ players expressed regret at “letting one slip away” and you can bet all the returnees, HC Jay Norvell and the rest of the coaching staff have had this game circled for a year. 

If you don’t believe me, just go and look up the comments made by WR Tory Horton and QB Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi earlier this week. This game is Colorado State’ “Super Bowl,” which I guess has become a running theme of sorts with my CFB selections on Saturday as all three dogs come in as the disrespected “little brother” of the rivalry. By waiting to fire on this game, I was able to get the “hook” (+7.5), but make no mistake about it, Colorado State is VERY live to win this game outright. I know they got humbled two weeks ago at Texas, but last week’s matchup vs. a FCS opponent (Northern Colorado) allowed them to work the kinks out. Last year, Colo State was coming off a 26-point loss to Wazzu in the series opener, then still showed up and competed vs. Colorado (were off a bye). 

Since beating Colorado State last year, things have clearly gone south for “Coach Prime.” This team has just ONE win vs. a FBS opponent in its last 11 games and that was by a field goal last year over Arizona State. And they’re laying a score on the road against a pissed off rival? The Buffaloes had problems beating FCS North Dakota State in the opener (won by just 5) and then gave up 28 points in the 1H to Nebraska last week (final score could have been much worse). QB Shadeur Sanders didn’t exactly endear himself to his offensive line afterwards and brother Shilo (the one decent player on defense) is now out with a broken arm. That should mean a big night here for Fowler Nicolosi (367 yds LY) and Horton (16 rec, 133 yds LY). Colorado should not be favored by this many against ANYONE on the road. Take the points. 3% Colorado State (Play to +6.5)