Colorado vs Nebraska: NCAA Football Predictions, Odds & Best Bets (9/7)

College Football is back once again with an extremely exciting matchup between two unranked teams happening Saturday Night in Lincoln. The Colorado Buffaloes are coming to town to take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium, and there is plenty of excitement surrounding both of these teams. Obviously everyone is aware of Colorado. They have tons of hype coming into this season, even after dropping the ball last year. However, they started off hot last year, survived against North Dakota State last Thursday, and had a few extra days to prepare for this rematch against the Cornhuskers.

Last season, Nebraska had to take on Colorado in Boulder, losing 36-14. However the Cornhuskers are a completely different team this year with Freshman QB Dylan Raiola leading Matt Rhule’s squad in the Big Ten. Nebraska made light work of UTEP last Saturday, as Raiola threw for 238 yards and 2 touchdowns on just 19 completions. We learned last week that Colorado’s defense can’t stop anybody, including an FCS squad, so Raiola could find himself having a huge day at home.

While the Colorado offense has tons of playmakers, their defense does not give them any support, leading to tons of shootouts. This won’t help them this week, as Nebraska’s offense can certainly compete, while the Big Red Defense at home should be all over Sanders. Nebraska’s defense only had 1 sack last week, but they forced 2 Interceptions and caused havoc all over the defensive side of the ball. I see them doing the same against the Buffaloes.

However, let’s check out the odds and see what our best bets might be in this matchup.

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Colorado vs Nebraska: Buffaloes Come to Lincoln

Matchup Information – Colorado vs Nebraska

• Venue & Location: Memorial Stadium (Lincoln, NE)
• Date: Saturday, September 7th, 2024
• Kick Off: 7:30pm Eastern
• Broadcast: NBC

Betting Odds

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Spread

• Colorado +7 (-105)
• Nebraska -7 (-115)

Money Line

• Colorado +220
• Nebraska -260

Total

• Over 59 (-110)
• Under 59 (-110)

Big Red Host the Buffaloes With Revenge on Their Mind

Last season, Nebraska allowed just 205 yards per game, ranking 9th in the nation. After retaining plenty of starters and DC Tony White, they are primed to be even better this year. They allowed just over 200 total yards to UTEP on Saturday and just one touchdown on a deep ball that got away. Point being, they will come to play against the Buffaloes.

When they played last September, Nebraska simply couldn’t keep up offensively. After holding them to a scoreless first quarter, Colorado scored 36 in the last three, with nearly 400 passing yards from Sanders. The Cornhuskers did not have the fire power to answer in the air. Nebraska had 119 passing yards, compared to 222 rushing yards in that game. They ran it down Colorado’s throats, but were unable to keep up with the Buffaloes who were scoring in bunches.

This weekend will be different.

For starters, the Cornhuskers defense is improved and ready to go now. Last year they had a big early season hiccup on the road, but playing this game at home totally changes the swing of things. With the crowd on their side, disrupting Sanders should be no problem. As for the offense, they are exponentially improved since last year. Like I said, they couldn’t keep up in the pass game. Now they certainly can. Dylan Raiola opens up plenty of opportunities for the Huskers, as long as his receivers haul in what he throws their way. For me, this is a no brainer. We faded the Buffaloes last week and it paid out, and we’re going to do it again.

Somehow, Colorado still received an AP Top 25 vote, proving that they do indeed let morons vote in the rankings. Nebraska received 27 votes and is likely to break into the Top 25 with a win this weekend.

Colorado Buffaloes vs Nebraska Cornhuskers Best Bets

Colorado vs Nebraska Prediction: Nebraska Wins & Covers, Under 59

Best Bets: Nebraska -7 (-115) BetOnline

Colorado has simply not been impressive during the Deion Sanders Era. Yes, they started out hot against all odds last year winning 3 games, but the wheels fell off after that. They did not show signs of improving the big problems last Thursday, and in a rematch against a very motivated Nebraska team, I think they are in for a rude awakening. Nebraska sacked Sanders 6 times last year, and this year it should be even more at home. Colorado simply did not improve their offensive line or their defense during the offseason, and they were exposed against North Dakota State.

Sure, Sanders threw for 445 yards and 4 TDs, but two of the Buffalos big touchdowns were caused by missed tackles and blown coverage, from an FCS defense. Nebraska’s defense is arguably Top 5 in the nation, and at home, they will cause chaos for the Buffaloes’ offense. Colorado did not force any turnovers on defense, and allowed the Bison to rack up nearly 300 yards in the air and another 150 on the ground. With Raiola dropping back to pass, presumably with plenty of time, he should be able to tear apart the Colorado secondary.

While the Buffaloes’ offensive line only allowed 1 sack in Week 1, they have still gave up plenty of pressure, causing Sanders to improvise. Against a tougher Nebraska defense, this could easily turn into turnovers and missed throws. Plain and simple, I still don’t trust the Colorado defense, or their offense against a real defense. Backing Nebraska at home seems like the no brainer with the way Raiola has played so far, and the way their defense is hungry for revenge. Go Big Red!

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