Thus, as one of those loudest and longest doubters, allow today's Colorado vs. Arizona predictions to land with some emphasis as I back the Buffaloes for the first time this season.
Many college football picks have long done such and often lost money. But when kickoff comes at 4:00 ET on Saturday, October 19, let’s trust in Colorado value for a change.
For more Buffs/Wildcats picks, see our favorite Colorado vs. Arizona player props.
Colorado vs Arizona prediction and best bet
My best bet
Colorado moneyline (+115 at BetMGM)
Picks made at time of writing may not reflect live odds.
My analysis
The most consistent piece of my doubt in Colorado has been its quality of offensive line play, ranking second-to-last in the country by allowing four sacks per game. Worse yet, the Buffaloes have lost more yards to sacks than anyone else in the country, including 74 yards on six sacks in last week’s loss to Kansas State.
However, when the opposing defense is not built to exploit that, Colorado tends to shine. Central Florida and Colorado State combined to take down Shedeur Sanders three times for a total loss of 16 yards, and it is no coincidence those were two of Coloardo’s four wins — both outright and against the spread.
Baylor harassed Sanders and would have won if not for the worst Hail Mary defense we have seen in decades; Kansas State ruined his night and thus held off Colorado’s late comeback.
The key when facing the Buffaloes is rather simple: Live in Colorado’s backfield.
Except Arizona will struggle with that. Failing to capitalize on pressuring Shedeur Sanders will allow him to rely on Colorado’s superior playmakers, particularly since Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr. are both expected to play after missing the end of last week’s loss.
That full array of playmakers is enough to make Colorado a viable competitor on any given week. Unless Arizona’s defense finds a surprising gear chasing Sanders, those playmakers will do enough to spring an upset.
Colorado vs Arizona same-game parlay (SGP)
Colorado moneyline
Shedeur Sanders 300+ passing yards
LaJohntay Wester anytime touchdown
One could quickly justify a higher Sanders milestone, given he recorded 325 passing yards in three of his six games this season.
The two exceptions to reaching this prop? Against Nebraska’s ferocious defense and in the blowout of Central Florida. This weekend should lack both those aspects.
Many might throw in a Travis Hunter anytime touchdown here, but there are three reasons to instead look at LaJohntay Wester. If Hunter is banged up at all, Colorado will focus his efforts at cornerback.
Wester is also a more consistent scorer than Hunter, boasting seven touchdowns this season, including at least one in each of the last five weeks. This SGP is also higher with Wester included (+500 compared to +375).
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Colorado vs Arizona odds
Colorado vs Arizona live odds
Colorado vs Arizona opening odds
- Colorado vs. Arizona spread: Arizona -3.5
- Colorado vs. Arizona moneyline: Colorado +140, Arizona -165
- Colorado vs. Arizona Over/Under: 55.5
Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Colorado vs Arizona spread and Over/Under analysis
- Sunday’s first lines positioned Arizona as a 3-point favorite, a mild surprise given there was some doubt Hunter would be able to play this week.
- Perhaps partly because of that, Colorado spiked to a 4.5-point underdog for a chunk of Tuesday before this spread returned to +3.5 on Friday.
- The total opened at 55.5, only to increase to 58.5 by Wednesday, with some books lowering to 57.5 while others stayed at a lofty 58.5.
Colorado vs Arizona betting trend to know
The Buffaloes have gone 4-0 ATS in their last four games. Find more college football betting trends for Colorado vs Arizona.
Colorado vs Arizona game info
| Location: | Arizona Stadium, Tucson, AZ |
| Date: | Saturday, 10-19-2024 |
| Kickoff: | 4:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | FOX |
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