North Dakota State vs. Colorado: Predictions, odds and how to watch Thursday

It's college football season, which means it's about time for Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders to return to the spotlight. His Colorado Buffaloes are taking on the North Dakota State Bison for their first game of 2024. Given the disappointing end to Colorado's season a year ago, losing eight of their last nine games, this year will be a serious challenge to Sanders. Can his Buffaloes start making an impact immediately in the Big 12 ?

Sure, schools like USC and Oregon are no longer threatening Colorado, but the Big 12 brings whole new challenges like BYU , Kansas State , and Oklahoma State . Before those challenges are laid on their plate though, the Buffaloes get their season going against their bison brethren, North Dakota State.

North Dakota State is coming off an 11-4 season, their worst finish since 2010, so you can imagine they'll be looking to re-establish themselves as an FCS threat. A win on the national stage against Colorado would go a long way toward building this team's confidence.

Here's everything to know about tonight's Colorado-North Dakota State matchup.

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Predictions for North Dakota State vs. Colorado:

Dimers : Colorado 35, NDSU 26

The Dimers staff is giving NDSU a 30% chance of winning this game. The article believes that while NDSU will beat the spread, most of their simulations have led to a sizable win for Colorado.

Pete Fiutak, College Football News : Colorado 34, NDSU 30

Fiutak writes, "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 than 100 rushing yards, and Colorado might not be able to net that if the line isn’t far, far stronger."

Troy Perlowitz, College Football Network : Colorado 38, North Dakota State 24

Perlowitz writes, "Colorado is probably still a work in progress in terms of competing for national championships. But the elite talent level — especially on offense — should favor Colorado significantly."

North Dakota State vs. Colorado odds, lines:

The Colorado Buffaloes are favorites to defeat North Dakota State in Thursday's college football matchup, according to the BetMGM college football odds . Looking to wager? Check out the top college football betting apps in 2024 offering the top NCAA football betting promos and bonuses in 2024 .

Odds as of Monday evening.

• Spread: Colorado (-9.5)
• Moneylines: Colorado (-350); NDSU (+270)
• Over/under: 58.5

How to watch North Dakota State vs. Colorado:

Date: Thursday, August 29

Where: Folsom Field in Boulder, CO

Time: 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

TV: ESPN

Stream: ESPN app, Fubo , Sling TV

Catch the game: Stream college football with a Fubo subscription

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: North Dakota State vs. Colorado: Predictions, odds and how to watch Thursday