At the onset of the 2024 season, the Colorado Buffaloes are facing increased doubts about their College Football Betting viability. Head coach Deion Sanders has seen his honeymoon end. Under Sanders, Colorado’s roster has become a revolving door. Indeed, Colorado has been exposed as a Sanders Family business. To illuminate, Deion’s sons Shedeur and Shilo have been excused for Louis Vuitton photo shoots in Paris while team meetings took place. On Thursday night, the Buffs open the season against FCS superpower North Dakota State. Certainly, a loss would be catastrophic for Colorado.
North Dakota State Bison vs. Colorado Buffaloes Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Thursday, August 29, 2024, 8 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Folsom Field, Boulder, CO |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Betting Online Odds at SBG: | Click Here |
North Dakota State Bison Team Overview
The Bison finished 11-4 last year, advancing to the FCS semifinals before losing 31-29 at Montana in double-overtime. The Bison return nine of last year’s 12 All-MVFC selections. Offensively, though, the Bison have several holes to fill. To show, NDSU loses three starters on the offensive line, its top running back, and its top two wide receivers. But the offense will be in good hands at the most important position, returning the quarterback duo of Cam Miller and Cole Payton.
Miller enters his fifth online betting season of starting games for the Bison. In sum, he has 6,470 career passing yards, 48 touchdowns to 15 interceptions, 1,646 yards rushing, and 36 rushing TDs. Last year, he had his best season, owning the highest offensive grade for an FCS quarterback. Also, his 169.1 passing efficiency was No. 2 in the subdivision. Miller finished 208/289 passing for 2,688 yards, 19 touchdowns, and four interceptions, plus 629 yards rushing and 13 scores.
In turn, NDSU’s defense eyes a return to its dominant form with a veteran-laden 2024 unit. The Bison allowed 19.9 points per game last year, ranking No. 18 in the FCS. In comparison, their national championship-winning teams allowed 11.1 PPG in 2021 and 12.3 in 2019.
Colorado Buffaloes Team Overview
Last year, Colorado took a step forward in coach Deion Sanders’ rookie season. To illuminate, Colorado improved its win total by three games and lowered their scoring deficit from minus-349 in ’22 to minus-80.
First in the Colorado lineup is one of college football’s top quarterbacks, Shedeur Sanders. In addition, there is an all-purpose threat in receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter returning. Thus, the Buffaloes should be able to push for a bowl in ’24. Coach Prime added ten offensive linemen through the portal to solidify the team’s biggest weakness after allowing 56 sacks last year. This offense is under the direction of a new coordinator (Pat Shurmur). But with a standout QB and group of skill players in place, this should be one of the Big 12’s top offenses.
On the other hand, Colorado’s biggest question mark remains its defense. This unit was shredded in Pac-12 contests (36.3 points a game allowed). Also, they were pushed around in the trenches (110th nationally in rush defense). New coordinator Robert Livingston arrives in Boulder after a stint in the NFL with the Bengals. In like manner to the offense, Sanders added a handful of impact transfers to speed up the improvement. Linemen B.J. Green, Dayon Hayes, and Sam Okunlola were key pickups to address last year’s struggles in the trenches.
North Dakota State at Colorado SBG Free Picks
In this situation, North Dakota State offers more College Football Betting value.
North Dakota State at Colorado SBG Best Bet: North Dakota State Bison.