Colorado vs Baylor Prediction, Odds & Best Bets (Saturday, Sep. 21)

• We’ve made our Colorado vs Baylor prediction for Saturday night on FOX
• The latest CU vs Baylor odds slightly favor Deion Sanders’ team at home
• Read below for Colorado vs Baylor odds, prediction and best bets

The Colorado Buffaloes (2-1) host the Baylor Bears (2-1) on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. ET in a Big 12 conference opener at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado. The game will be televised on FOX.

Colorado enters as a slight 1.5-point favorite with the over/under set at 51.5 points, according to the latest odds. While many fans may be expecting Sheduer Sanders and the Buffa’ offense to put on a show, signs point to a more low-scoring affair.

Here’s a peek at the Colorado vs Baylor odds, along with our betting prediction.

Colorado vs Baylor Odds

The Buffaloes are favored by 1.5 points, indicating oddsmakers expect a close game with Colorado having a slight edge at home. The -124 moneyline odds for Colorado imply a 55.4% probability of winning, while Baylor’s +102 moneyline equates to a 49.5% chance of pulling off the upset.

Notably, the over/under has seen significant movement throughout the week. It opened at 54 points on Sunday but has been bet down to 51.5 as of Friday due to large wagers on the under. Both Colorado and Baylor have gone under the total in all of their games this season.

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Odds as of September 21, 2024, at ESPN Sportsbook. Claim the ESPN Bet promo code to bet on CU vs Baylor tonight.

Buffaloes Betting Analysis

Colorado’s offense revolves around dual-threat quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who has completed 70.2% of his passes for 999 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions through three games.

Sanders’ top targets are two-way star Travis Hunter (30 catches, 342 yards, 5 TDs) and speedy wideout Jimmy Horn Jr. (14 receptions, 246 yards, 1 TD).

TRAVIS HUNTER IS THE BEST CB AND WR IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL.pic.twitter.com/iGv1NjVsf3

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 15, 2024

The Buffs are coming off a 28-9 win over rival Colorado State, but that result may be misleading. Colorado State turned the ball over four times, which was a major factor in the lopsided score. The Buffaloes cannot rely on generating multiple turnovers every week.

Defensively, Colorado allows 21.0 points per game (71st nationally) and has struggled to stop the run. This could be problematic against a Baylor team that rushed for over 200 yards last week. The Buffs are just 2-7 in their last nine games dating back to 2023.

Bears Betting Analysis

Baylor’s quarterback situation is unclear with both Dequan Finn and Sawyer Robertson listed as potential starters. Finn has completed 53.5% of his throws for 307 yards, three scores and two picks while adding 26 rushing yards and a TD. Robertson went 18-of-24 for 248 yards and ran for a touchdown in relief last week.

WR Josh Cameron (RJr.) discusses the QB situation between Sawyer Robertson (RJr.) and Dequan Finn (6Sr.) going into the weekend against Colorado🏈⬇️

“I feel super comfortable with Sawyer … Both of those dudes have the arm talent and the smartness and can both make it happen." pic.twitter.com/gF7xBFoAdh

— Baylor Bears on SicEm365 (@SicEm365) September 19, 2024

Regardless of who starts under center, expect the Bears to lean heavily on their running game, which gashed Air Force for over 200 yards in a 31-3 win. Baylor belongs to the Big 12, a higher-caliber conference than Colorado’s previous opponents.

The Bears have the nation’s top pass defense, allowing just 75.7 yards per game through the air. Overall, they surrender only 9.7 points per contest, 21st-best in the country. After falling at Utah, Baylor is seeking its first road win of 2024.

Colorado vs Baylor Prediction 2024

A total dropping by this many points is usually an indication of the game to follow. I’m aligning with the movement and giving out the “under” of 51.5 as my best for the Colorado vs Baylor showdown tonight. Sharps are all over this total, and it’s not hard to see why,

The weather forecast of 63.9°F with 10.3 mph winds and 78% precipitation favors a run-heavy, clock-controlling approach from both teams. Inclement conditions often lead to fewer possessions and points.

PrimeTime pic.twitter.com/tT2P0rlt2l

— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) September 21, 2024

Baylor’s offensive gameplan will likely feature a heavy dose of running the football, as they want to keep the game on the ground and limit CU’s offensive possessions. Colorado’s defense, while suspect against the run, should be able to limit big plays and force Baylor to methodically move down the field

On the other hand, Baylor’s pass defense ranks first in the nation and should be able to slow down Sanders and the Buffs’ aerial attack. I’m predicting a closely contested, low-possession game in which the Under cashes for bettors.

CU-Baylor Pick:

• Under 51.5 Points (-110)