BYU Cougars (10-2) vs. Colorado Buffaloes (9-3)
December 28, 2024 7:30 pm EDT
The Line: Colorado Buffaloes -4 / BYU Cougars +4; Over/Under: +54.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article we will formulate a Colorado vs BYU prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, December 28th at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Let’s take a look at the prediction for the Alamo Bowl.
Colorado Buffaloes Betting Preview
The Colorado Buffaloes are 9-3 (7-2) this season after they defeated Oklahoma State by a score of 52-0 in their last game. Colorado led 21-0 at halftime and they scored 31 more points in the second half in the blowout win. The Buffaloes out gained Oklahoma State by a total of 471-147, won the turnover battle 4-1, and went 5-12 on third down in the game. Shedeur Sanders threw for 438 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception, while LaJohntay Wester caught 11 passes for 175 yards and two scores.
Colorado also has wins over Utah, Texas Tech, Cincinnati, Arizona, UCF, Baylor, Colorado State, and NDSU, while losing to Kansas, Kansas State, and Nebraska. The Colorado offense has scored 34.5 points per game with 327.2 passing yards and 70.4 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 22 points against per game this season. Shedeur Sanders threw for 3,926 yards, 35 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, while Travis Hunter has caught 92 passes for 1,152 yards and 14 scores this year.
BYU Cougars Betting Preview
The BYU Cougars are 10-2 (7-2) this year after they defeated Houston by a score of 30-18 in their last game. BYU trailed 10-7 in the second quarter, but they scored the next 17 points to pull ahead for the win. The Cougars out gained Houston by a total of 356-250, won the turnover battle 4-3, and went 4-10 on third down in the game. Jake Retzlaff threw for 167 yards, while LJ Martin rushed for 87 yards on 22 carries in the win.
BYU also has wins over Utah, UCF, Oklahoma State, Arizona, Baylor, Kansas State, Wyoming, SMU, and Southern Illinois, while losing to Kansas and Arizona State. The BYU offense has scored 30.9 points per game with 238 passing yards and 159.4 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 20.1 points against per game this season. Jake Retzlaff has completed 57.9% of his passes for 2,796 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, while Chase Roberts has caught 51 passes for 843 yards and four scores this year.
Why Colorado will beat BYU
- Colorado has won five of its last six games.
- BYU has lost five of its last six games against AP-ranked teams.
- Colorado has covered the spread in nine of its last 10 games.
- BYU has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four games.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of BYU’s last eight games against conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
- Eight of Colorado’s last 10 games at neutral venues have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Colorado ranks 134th among FBS teams for rushing yards per game this season (70.4).
- Colorado ranks 4th among FBS teams for passing yards per game this season (327.2).
- BYU ranks T1st among FBS teams for interceptions this season (20).
- BYU ranks 4th among FBS teams for average point differential in third quarters this season (+7.2).
Colorado vs BYU Prediction
Colorado comes into this matchup with a ton of momentum, as they won five of their last six games and had the heisman winner this year. The Buffaloes were one of the best stories of the season and it sounds like most of the starters are going to play in this game. BYU also had a very solid season, but they lost two of their last three games, which ruined their chance at the CFP. I didn’t love how BYU played in their last four games and if Colorado really does play most of their starters, I think the Buffaloes will roll to the win. Take Colorado to cover here.
