In this article we will formulate a Texas vs Colorado State prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, August 31st at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week one non-conference battle.
Texas Longhorns Betting Preview
The Texas Longhorns went 12-2 (9-1) last season and they finished first in the Big 12. Texas opened the season with five straight wins, including a win over Alabama, but they dropped the rivalry game with Oklahoma in early October. The Longhorns did win the rest of their regular season games, but had scares against Houston, Kansas State, and TCU. Texas defeated Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Championship, but they lost in the CFP Semifinal against Washington by a score of 37-31. Texas had a great 2023 season and they will be looking to replicate it, but moving to the SEC will not be easy.
Texas does return starting quarterback Quinn Ewers, who threw for 3,479 yards, 22 touchdowns, and six interceptions last year. Ewers will have to deal with a new wide receiver room, but the Longhorns did add quite a few transfers to replace last season’s production. The Longhorns suffered a devastating blow at the running back spot, as CJ Baxter was lost for the year in camp. Defensively, Texas was pretty sound last season, but it will be interesting to see how they hold up against the SEC.
Colorado State Rams Betting Preview
The Colorado State Rams were 5-7 (3-5) last year and they finished tied for eighth in the Mountain West standings. Colorado State opened their 2023 season with a 50-24 loss against Washington State and they followed that up with an overtime loss to Colorado in their second game. Colorado State went 3-1 in the next four games, but the Rams finished the season by losing four of their last six games. The Rams allowed at least 30 points in four of their first six games last season, but the defense was better in the second half.
Colorado State does return Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi at the quarterback position after a decent 2023 season, but he needs to do a better job of protecting the football. Another positive note for the offense is that leading receiver Tory Horton is back as well. As I said above, the Colorado State defense showed improvement in the second half of last year, but they need to start this season much better. It is definitely a concern that they allowed 93 points in their first two games last season.
Why Texas will beat Colorado State
- Texas has won each of its last nine games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Colorado State has lost each of its last six season openers.
- Colorado State has failed to cover the spread in each of its last six season openers.
- Texas has covered the spread in each of its last four games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Texas has won the first half in 10 of its last 13 games against non-conference opponents at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
Why Colorado State will beat Texas
- Texas has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five games against non-conference opponents.
- Colorado State has covered the spread in three of its last four games against top-15 AP-ranked teams.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of Texas’ last eight games against non-AP-ranked teams at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Five of Colorado State’s last six games have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Texas ranked T2nd among FBS teams for H1 win percentage last season (.857).
- Texas ranked 3rd among FBS teams for Q1 win percentage last season (.714).
- Colorado State ranked 7th among FBS teams for Q4 points per game last season (10.3).
- Colorado State ranked T23rd among FBS teams for Q4 win percentage last season (.583).
Texas vs Colorado State Prediction
Texas comes into this season with very high expectations and they are looking to leave a good first impression in the SEC, while Colorado State is looking to get back into the bowl conversation this year. The Rams were very up and down last season and while the passing attack put up solid numbers, there were way too many interceptions. Texas’ defense should force a few more turnovers in this game, while I don’t think the offense will be slowed down at all. This Longhorns team should put up quite a few points in this matchup, but I think this spread is a little too big. Once Texas pulls their foot off of the gas pedal, the Colorado State passing attack will find some success. Take Colorado State and the points here.