The Colorado Buffaloes will face the Stanford Cardinal on Friday, Oct. 13. Kickoff is scheduled for 10 pm ET while airing on ESPN. Colorado enters this game as 11-point favorites with the total set at 59. How will this one play out? Let’s dive into the Colorado vs. Stanford predictions below.
Colorado vs. Stanford Odds
- Spread: Colorado -11
- Total: 59
Game Info
- Date: Friday, Oct. 13
- Time: 10 pm ET
- Location: Folsom Field — Boulder, CO
- TV: ESPN
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Colorado Betting Trends
- Colorado are 5-12-1 ATS in their last 18 games.
- The total has gone OVER in 12 of Colorado’s last 17 games.
Stanford Betting Trends
- Stanford is 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games.
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Stanford’s last 5 games.
The Buffaloes Return Home After Beating ASU
The Colorado Buffaloes, under the leadership of Coach Deion Sanders, have shown a remarkable turnaround this season. With a 4-2 record, the Buffaloes have already surpassed their win total from the previous season and are on the verge of achieving their first five-win season since 2019.
The Buffaloes’ offense, led by Heisman Trophy candidate Shedeur Sanders, has been a force to reckon with. Sanders currently leads the nation with 2,020 passing yards and has registered at least 348 in four of his six outings.
However, it’s not just Sanders who has been making waves. Wide receiver Xavier Weaver has been a standout performer, leading the team with 43 receptions for 507 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to make crucial catches has provided a reliable option for Sanders and has added another dimension to the Buffaloes’ offense.
Xavier Weaver with the BIG return ⚡️@CUBuffsFootball pic.twitter.com/YfaUHTmpQm
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 8, 2023
Despite their impressive offensive performances, the Buffaloes have shown a tendency for slow starts, often relying on second-half comebacks to secure victories. They have outscored opponents 74-35 in the fourth quarter, indicating a strong finish but a concerning start. This trend could potentially impact their performance against Stanford, especially if they fail to establish an early lead.
On the defensive side, the potential return of star player Travis Hunter could provide a significant boost. Hunter, who has been out with a lacerated liver since Week 3, is a two-way talent who can make a significant impact on both sides of the ball. His return could potentially strengthen the Buffaloes’ defense and provide an additional offensive threat.
Can Stanford’s Defense Hold On?
The Stanford Cardinal have had a challenging start to the season, with a 1-4 record and a recent loss to Oregon. Despite their struggles, there are several key factors and players that could influence their performance against the Colorado Buffaloes.
One of the main concerns for Stanford has been their defense. The Cardinal have accumulated just eight sacks across five games this season, indicating a lack of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. This could potentially be a significant disadvantage against the Buffaloes, who have a potent offense led by Heisman Trophy candidate Shedeur Sanders. Furthermore, Stanford’s defense has been allowing a conference-high 34.6 points per game, which could pose a challenge against the Buffaloes’ high-scoring offense.
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On the offensive side, Stanford has been alternating between quarterbacks Ashton Daniels and Justin Lamson. While both have shown potential, neither has been able to consistently deliver high passing yards. However, tight end Benjamin Yurosek has been a standout performer for the Cardinal, leading the team with 227 receiving yards on 15 catches. His performance could be a key factor in Stanford’s offensive strategy against the Buffaloes.
While Stanford has had a challenging start to the season, they have the potential to turn their fortunes around. Their performance against Colorado will largely depend on their ability to improve their defensive pressure and the performance of their quarterbacks.
Colorado vs. Stanford Predictions
Stanford has struggled on both sides of the ball this season, particularly their defense, which could pose an uphill climb in Boulder. Their lack of pressure on opposing quarterbacks and a high average of points allowed per game could be exploited by the Buffaloes’ high-scoring offense. While Stanford’s tight end Benjamin Yurosek has been a standout performer, the inconsistent performance of their quarterbacks could hinder their offensive strategy.
Furthermore, the potential return of Colorado’s star player Travis Hunter could provide a significant boost to the Buffaloes’ defense and offense. Despite Colorado’s tendency for slow starts, their strong finish in games, particularly in the fourth quarter, could tilt the game in their favor. Also, there’s reason to believe Colorado finds their footing immediately in this advantageous matchup while playing at home.
Considering these factors, the pick for this game is Colorado -11.
The Pick: Colorado -11 | -110 at FanDuel Sportsbook