Baylor vs Colorado: NCAA Football Predictions, Odds & Best Bets (9/21)

We have another Big 12 matchup this weekend, which although admittedly won’t be as exciting as Utah takes on Oklahoma State, this game is still due to have some excitement. The Colorado Buffaloes host the Baylor Bears in their first Big 12 matchup since rejoining the conference. Colorado and Baylor are both 2-1 on the season, losing their 2nd game but bouncing back with a win last weekend.

Colorado failed to cover against North Dakota State, but still walked away with a win. Then they went on the road to Lincoln and were humbled by the Cornhuskers, losing 28-10. They didn’t stay down for long, as they showed up to their rival’s home field and took it to them, securing a huge 28-9 victory. As for the Bears, they handled their FCS opponent in Tarleton State, knocking them out 45-3. After that, they faced new Big 12 foe, the Utah Utes, and even after Cam Rising left, they were still able to pull out the victory, beating the Bears at home, 23-12. Last weekend, Baylor hosted Air Force, and only allowed a field goal, beating the Falcons 31-3.

Even against an offense like Utah, the Bears only allowed 23 total points. Could their defense step up and held shut down Sanders? Or will Colorado open up conference play with a win?

Check out our Expert NCAA Football Picks!

Baylor vs Colorado: Buffaloes Welcomed to Big 12

Matchup Information – Baylor vs Colorado

• Venue & Location: Folsom Field (Boulder, CO)
• Date: Saturday, September 21st, 2024
• Kick Off: 8:00pm Eastern
• Broadcast: FOX

Betting Odds

Odds are courtesy of BetOnline, and industry leader in the sports betting world. BetOnline offers a wide variety of markets paired with the most competitive lines available, making them the go to site to place your bets. Sign up today with Promo Code BNEWS and get a 50% deposit match up to $1,000, as well as $10 instantly in your account.

Check out the Best USA Sportbooks here!

Spread

• Baylor +2 (-112)
• Colorado -2 (-108)

Money Line

• Baylor +105
• Colorado -125

Total

• Over 50.5 (-110)
• Under 50.5 (-110)

Check out our #12 Utah vs #14 Oklahoma State Preview!

Bears Take on Buffaloes in Boulder

While this might not be the most exciting matchup of the weekend, it is still a Big 12 conference game, and involves the Buffaloes. So of course, we need to chat about it. I’ll admit it, Colorado looked very good last weekend. In what I thought might be a let down spot for that team, they certainly proved me wrong and got the job done. However, Baylor’s defense is up there with Nebraska’s and will surely give Sanders hell.

What amazes me, is the fact that the Buffaloes have just 184 rushing yards on the season through 3 games. Running the ball for just 60 yards per game won’t help you win very often, no matter who is playing quarterback. This team is completely reliant on the arm of Shedeur Sanders to lead them to victory, and if he has to throw for 400 yards a game, so be it. He’s throwing for 333 per contest already this season, and the Bears are not a team you run on.

In their game against Air Force, the Bears defended 56 rushing attempts. They gave up just 3.4 yards per carry, forced 2 fumbles, and even had an interception. In total, they’ve allowed just 23 points this season and just 2 touchdowns. Despite the shaky Baylor offense, the defense is a diamond in the rough.

While Baylor’s offense isn’t the best, the Colorado defense isn’t that great either. Sure they looked alright against Colorado State, but they struggled to slow down Nebraska. I could see Baylor being able to create some chunk plays to put themselves in a position to score. They’ve put up 38 per game in their 2 wins, and Colorado’s defense does not compare to Utah’s at all, who held them to 12 points. The Bears should have some offensive success on the ground and in the air, but their defense will need to come to play.

Check out our USC vs Michigan Preview!

Baylor Bears vs Colorado Buffaloes Best Bets

Baylor vs Colorado Prediction: Colorado Wins, Over 50.5

Best Bets: Baylor/Colorado Over 50.5 (-110) BetOnline

I’ll admit it’s pretty wild of me to back a Dave Aranda team to score some points, but they’ve been hot so far this year, and I am low on the Buffaloes defense. I think we are getting a good number here, as the market is already creeping up closer to 51 or 51.5. I see both teams easily reaching 20+ in what I expect to be a shootout.

While I did spend some time talking about how good Baylor’s defense is, Colorado doesn’t care that they throw it over 40 times a game. The Buffaloes will run their true air raid offense all night long, even if Sanders is having an off night. The Bears defensive strength is certainly their front 7 who are allowing less than 4 yards per carry this season. However that won’t help them much if Colorado refuses to run the ball.

If Shedeur Sanders can play like he did last week, I do think the Buffaloes can win this game. Being at home will certainly help his poise in the pocket, and talent wise, they can compete with Baylor. At the beginning of the season, I would’ve been all over the Bears catching points in this spot, but now I am not so confident on a side. What I am confident in, is both of these teams slinging the rock back and forth, scoring any time they please. Give me points and the over!

Still Didn’t Get Your NCAA Football Fix?

Here at Betting News, we offer Free Expert Picks for every major sports league. We also host daily streams on our Twitch Channel with our best bets, as well as sweat out games on Playback! Be sure to tune into everything we have going on at our Youtube, TikTok, and X pages as well.

For more NCAA Football action, check out these pages below.

• NCAA Football 2024 Preview
• ACC 2024 Preview
• SEC 2024 Preview
• Big Ten Preview
• Big 12 Preview
• NCAA Football Expert Picks