NDSU vs. Colorado odds, prop bets, ATS pick: Buffs asked to cover large spread vs. tough FCS opponent

The hype train behind Colorado is in full force going into the second year of the Coach Prime era. The season starts with a different type of matchup than last season's first game. A year ago, Colorado shocked the world by upsetting TCU as a huge underdog. This season, the Buffaloes have to prove they are not all hype but can offer substance, as they open the season as heavy favorites against FCS opponent North Dakota State.

As of Thursday morning, odds boards at top sports betting sites show Colorado laying between 9.5 and 10 points, with NDSU offered for as juicy at +310 on the moneyline.

The Bison of North Dakota State are not your regular FCS opponent. They have won nine FCS National Championships since 2011. Colorado has its hands full on Thursday night (8 p.m, ESPN), but it is hard to know the floor or the ceiling for this Buffaloes team. We know North Dakota State is going to bring it with its tradition and history, plus it returns an experienced and talented quarterback.

A new but familiar coach is taking over the North Dakota State program. Last season's head coach, Matt Entz, is now an assistant at USC, and Tim Polasek, previously a defensive coordinator at North Dakota State in the Chris Klieman era, is now running the show. Watching the explosive Colorado offense led by Shedeur Sanders go against Polasek, a defensive-minded coach, should make for an excellent matchup.

Weather is expected to be great, with temps in the mid-80s and minimal rain chance at kickoff. Here, we cover betting news, odds, prop bets, and make an ATS pick for Bison vs. Buffaloes.

Best betting odds for NDSU vs. Colorado: Point spread, moneyline, total

There are the best spreads, moneylines, and totals for each side of the Bison's trip to Boulder, according to odds on top sportsbook apps as of Thursday morning.

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North Dakota State Bison betting news

North Dakota State is coming off a disappointing season, going 8-3 in 2023. The Bison program is among the best in the FCS, and the goal every season is a National Championship or bust. They have more talent than many FBS programs and would likely be a bowl-eligible team if they played at the FBS level.

They come into Boulder to face Colorado not expecting to compete but to win. They return their starting quarterback, Cam Miller, a solid dual-threat option. Miller passed for 2,688 yards and 19 touchdowns and rushed for 629 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. He will pressure the Colorado defense and can create for himself when the pocket breaks down. Head coach Tim Polasek will put out a tough physical defense and pressure Shedeur Sander early and often.

Colorado Buffaloes betting news

Colorado returns a lot of its passing and receiving production from last season. Shedeur Sander returns after passing for 3,230 passing yards, 27 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He was sacked 52 times, though, and was beaten up by the end of the season, and the hope is his revamped offensive line will make a big difference this season.

Two of his top three receivers, Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr., return, giving him trusted players to target. Colorado also got two of the best wide receivers in the transfer portal: Will Sheppard from Vanderbilt and LaJohntay Wester from Florida Atlantic. Adding those two, with Hunter and Horn Jr. still in Boulder, should make for one of the best-receiving cores in college football.

The rushing attack is completely revamped after the top four running backs from last season all transferred. Plenty of new talent has been brought in, though. Dallas Hayden, an Ohio State transfer, and Rashad Amos, a Miami, Ohio transfer, are expected to lead the backfield.

The entire offense may come down to a completely rebuilt offensive line. All five starters are new, but based on previous production and recruiting rankings, the unit is, at minimum, more talented on paper. If the offensive line is an above-average unit, that could result in Colorado having one of the best offenses in college football.

NDSU vs. Colorado prop bets

Here are a few prop bets at DraftKings to consider for the Bison vs. Buffaloes Week 1 game.

• Shedeur Sanders
  • 305+ passing yards (-120)
  • 320+ passing yards (+135)
  • 2.5 passing touchdowns OVER (-135) / UNDER (+105)
  • Anytime touchdown scorer (+250)
• Cam Miller
  • 178+ passing yards (-125)
  • 200+ passing yards (+105)
  • 1.5 passing touchdowns OVER (+170) / UNDER (-225)
  • Anytime touchdown scorer (+115)
• Jimmy Horn Jr.
  • 43+ receiving yards (-115)
  • 50+ receiving yards (+125)
  • Anytime touchdown scorer (+180)
• Travis Hunter Jr.
  • Anytime touchdown scorer (-130)
• Charlie Offerdahl
  • 40+ rushing yards (+115)
  • Anytime touchdown scorer (-110)
• Dallas Hayden
  • 40+ rushing yards (-105)
  • Anytime touchdown scorer (-110)

NDSU Bison vs. Colorado Buffaloes ATS pick: Buffaloes win, but Bison cover spread

Colorado will be tested in this matchup, and if the Buffs don't come ready, North Dakota State can pull off the upset. The difference is Shedeur Sanders's ability to make clutch plays late. He will lead Colorado to a win, but our lean is to the underdog to cover the spread.

ATS pick : NDSU +10