Rocky Mountain Showdown Favors Colorado Buffaloes

The 88th meeting between these in-state rivals, and last year Colorado escaped in overtime 27-24 despite being out-gained by Colorado State 500-345. Both teams are projected to struggle again this season in their respective conferences, but the Pac-12 Buffaloes are expected to roll over their state rival with Colorado State rebuilding a bit in the Mountain West.

The last time we saw a line above a touchdown in this series was in 2010 when the Buffaloes buried the Rams 24-3. The current NCAA footballl betting odds posted on this game by top-rated BookMaker, the Buffaloes have taken money and are up to a -8.5-point favorite with the total also up to 58. The game is on a neutral field in Denver at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

Friday, September 2 at 8 PM ET

Colorado Buffaloes -8.5 (-105)
Colorado State Rams +8.5 (-115)

Over 58 points (-110)
Under 58 points (-110)

Colorado has won just 13 games in the last five seasons including four last year. Coach Mike MacIntyre has had to rebuild in Boulder, and while a miserable 2-25 in Pac-12 play in his tenure, they have been much more competitive in recent seasons losing eight of those games by a TD or less and last year lost to four bowl teams by an average of 5 points per game. The Buffs are the most experienced team in the Pac-12 this season, and with nine starters back on both sides of the ball, Colorado will clearly be improved. The defense made strides last year under new coordinator Jim Leavitt, allowing the fewest points per game (27) in nine years. The co-offensive coordinator is credited with instituting Texas Tech's high-powered pass attack, and the Buffaloes offense will see an increase in pace and number of plays. How quickly the veterans assimilate to the scheme will be key, but the Buffaloes offense has the right opponent and defense to start the season against.

The Buffs defense should slow a Rams offense that lost its top four WRs, and is playing possum with their starting QB selection. The Rams run a pro style hybrid offense for second-year coach Mike Bobo, but they will have some struggles moving the ball on the ground against the Buffs veteran front seven. Colorado State returns just four players on defense and rebuilds its entire defensive front and secondary while adjusting to a new 3-4 scheme. They forced just 15 turnovers last season and the Rams allowed over 210 rushing yards per game, so the Buffaloes should stampeded their way on the ground and have good balance with their spread attack and senior quarterback Liufau.

McIntyre has his own recruits in place and a veteran team in his fourth year, and the Buffaloes look primed to Ram Colorado State and stampede their way to victory.

Watch and win on ESPN Friday night and get your bets in at BookMaker, a top-rated sportsbook offering a mobile betting cashier so you can deposit money directly from your smartphone.

FairwayJay is a leading national sports handicapper and is recognized as one of the sports industry's most insightful analysts. Follow him on Twitter: @FairwayJay