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Colorado vs North Dakota State Prediction, Game Preview, Betting Lines
By Pete Fiutak,
4 hours ago
Colorado really, really, really, REALLY needs to get off to a hot start.
It collapsed last year with six straight losses to ruin a 4-2 start, the offseason hasn’t been all about the positive vibes, and going to Nebraska next won’t be easy.
But North Dakota State will be a problem. Good enough to win the FCS Championship - starting out the season No. 2 in the nation - it’s the start of the Tim Polasek era, and the veteran Bison assistant has a loaded team to take over.
Apr 27, 2024; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) warms up during a spring game event at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Colorado vs North Dakota State How to Watch Date: Thursday, August 29, 2024 Game Time: 8:00 pm ET Venue: Folsom Field, Boulder, CO How to Watch: ESPN 2023 Records: Colorado (4-8), North Dakota State (11-4) - Week 1 Thursday Schedule, Predictions
Why North Dakota State Will Win
Has Colorado done enough to improve the lines?
The skill talent is still fantastic, and there might be a few wonderful players on the defensive side, but the totally miserable lines in the first season under Deion Sanders still have to improve.
The D that was among the worst in the nation last year has to rise up fast up front, and the offensive line needs to be night-and-day better even with a whole slew of new parts in the mix.
The North Dakota State pass rush will be nasty again, the offensive line should pound away for over five yards per carry, but …
Why Colorado Will Win
North Dakota State isn’t stopping this Colorado passing game.
The Bison defensive front will get to Shedeur Sanders, but not often enough. Colorado’s receiving corps is beyond loaded - adding Will Sheppard from Vanderbilt and LaJohntay Wester from Florida Atlantic was big - and this will quickly turn into a firefight if 2 gets hot right away.
Expect at least 300 yards from Sanders - North Dakota State only allowed more than 270 passing yards once last season - but …
Colorado vs North Dakota State: Who Will Win
Here’s the problem for Colorado.
North Dakota State struggled against teams that ran well, not those that could throw.
It might be a new year, and these might be new teams, but even with Colorado trying to balance things out a bit more, the bread will still be buttered through the air.
Most of the Bison's close games and losses last year came when they allowed more 100 rushing yards, and Colorado might not be able to net that if the line isn’t far, far stronger.
North Dakota State star QB Cam Miler will do more than hold his own, but Sanders will bail the team out with a big late scoring drive to pull out a thriller.
Colorado vs North Dakota State Prediction, Betting Lines
Colorado 34, North Dakota State 30 Line: Colorado -8.5, o/u: 59.5 ATS Confidence out of 5: 3 Colorado vs North Dakota State Must See Rating: 3.5
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