North Dakota State vs. Colorado (Week 1): Odds, Predictions & How to Watch

College football fans are in for a treat as the FCS powerhouse North Dakota State travels to Boulder to face Coach Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes. This Week 0 matchup promises to deliver an exciting clash between two very different football programs. Here’s everything you need to know, including where to watch, betting odds, and in-depth analysis of the game.

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How to Watch North Dakota State vs. Colorado

For those looking to catch the game, North Dakota State vs. Colorado will be broadcast live on ESPN at 8:00 PM Eastern Time on Thursday night. Set your reminders and tune in for what promises to be an exhilarating game under the lights in Boulder.

Betting Odds: Spread, Total, and Moneyline

Understanding the betting lines is crucial for those looking to place wagers on the game. Let’s break down the current odds and what they mean:

• Point Spread: Colorado is a 10-point favorite in this game. This means that for a bet on Colorado to win, they must win the game by more than 10 points. If you bet on North Dakota State with the spread, they would need to either win the game outright or lose by less than 10 points for the bet to pay off.
• Total (Over/Under): The total for this game is set at 60.5 points. Betting on the “over” means you’re predicting that the combined score of both teams will exceed 60.5 points. Conversely, betting on the “under” means you expect the total score to be 60 points or fewer.
• Moneyline: The moneyline for Colorado is set at -108, which means a bet of $108 would win you $100 if Colorado wins. North Dakota State’s moneyline is +280, meaning a $100 bet on the Bison would win $280 if they pull off the upset.

The current betting odds imply a final score of around 35-25 in favor of Colorado, reflecting their status as the home favorites.

Injury Report

Injuries can significantly impact the outcome of a game, and this matchup is no exception. North Dakota State will be without their FCS All-American safety, Cole Wisie, who recently underwent surgery and will not be playing. Wisie, known for his exceptional defensive skills and leadership, was a critical part of the Bison’s defense. His absence could make a significant difference, especially against a Colorado team with a potent passing attack led by quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

Game Analysis

Both teams bring unique strengths to the field, and this game will be a test of styles. Colorado, under the direction of Coach Deion Sanders, has been building a program focused on speed and explosive plays. Sanders’ son, Shedeur Sanders, is the starting quarterback and is known for his strong arm and quick decision-making. The Buffaloes also have a talented receiving corps, including standout Travis Hunter, who poses a significant threat to any defense.

On the other side, North Dakota State is known for its physical style of play, particularly on defense. Historically, the Bison have been successful with a ground-and-pound approach, controlling the clock and wearing down opponents with a strong offensive line and running game. However, with a new head coach, Tim Polasek, former Wyoming offensive coordinator, it’s yet to be seen how the team might adjust their strategy.

The absence of Wisie will force the Bison to rely more heavily on their front seven to apply pressure and cover up potential vulnerabilities in their secondary. The key to this game will likely be whether North Dakota State can control the tempo and keep Colorado’s explosive offense off the field.

Colorado’s defense will also face a test against a disciplined and determined North Dakota State offense. The Buffaloes have upgraded their defensive line through the transfer portal, but their ability to stop the run will be critical in this matchup. The corners are considered the strength of Colorado’s defense, but they will need the defensive line to hold up against a tough Bison offensive line to force North Dakota State into passing situations.

Betting Analysis and Prediction

Given the spread and the total, bettors are facing a tough decision. Colorado’s offensive firepower and North Dakota State’s physicality on defense set up a classic clash of styles. The line moving from 9 to 10 points shows that the betting public has confidence in Colorado, likely due to the home-field advantage and the absence of Wisie for the Bison.

If you’re looking for an edge, consider that Colorado was 4-2 against the spread at home last season but struggled when favored, going just 1-2-1 against the spread. North Dakota State, on the other hand, has shown resilience against tougher competition, going 7-3 against the spread in lined games last season.

Prediction: Colorado 38, North Dakota State 24. Colorado covers the spread, and the total goes over 60.5.

Pick: Lay the 10 points with Colorado and take the over.

Conclusion

This game is more than just a matchup between two teams; it’s a clash of cultures and philosophies. With North Dakota State looking to prove itself against an FBS opponent and Colorado trying to make a statement under new leadership, fans can expect a high-energy, competitive game.

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