Colorado’s second season under the leadership of Deion Sanders begins against FCS heavyweight North Dakota State.

Even though the Bison don’t have the star-studded lineup of Sanders and his son, star quarterback Shedeur, the team commands respect in the eyes of bookmakers as they are only single-digit underdogs against the Buffaloes in Week 1.

How should we handle this game from a betting perspective as the Buffs look to start the year strong like they did in 2023?

Here is our full betting preview.

Spread

Money line

In total: 58.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

State of North Dakota

Cam Miller: Miller returns to NDSU for his fifth season after starting 38 consecutive games for the team. Last season, he completed 72% of his passes for more than 3,300 yards, 32 touchdowns and just four interceptions.

Colorado

Shedeur Sanders: Sanders is one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft and hopes to play behind a better offensive line in 2024 that can utilize his throwing ability. Sanders was sacked more than any other quarterback in college football last season, but still managed to turn in a strong season, completing 69% of his passes for 27 touchdowns and three interceptions.

Sanders didn’t mince his words at Big 12 Media Day, explaining that this game would be no easy task for the Buffaloes, who once again signed a number of transfers to surround players like Sanders and two-way star Travis Hunter.

I think the Buffs are taking a cautious approach here. The team retained last season’s interim offensive coordinator, Pat Shurmur, who slowed the team’s offense down from a tempo standpoint, replacing the speedy Sean Lewis.

Shurmur, a former NFL coach, will likely continue to implement a pro-style offense that will be more methodical; the team has snapped the ball nearly 27 seconds per play over the last three games of the season, which is about the national average. A slow approach and potentially cautious start with the goal of not falling behind may result in a mild start for the team’s explosive offense.

North Dakota State, on the other hand, relies on running on offense. Even under new head coach Tim Polasek, this team wants to establish the running game and use its physicality to overwhelm opponents. Last season, NDSU’s two best running backs and quarterback Miller managed a total of 1,630 yards and 32 touchdowns on the ground.

NDSU wants to mess up the game and I think the Buffs will start conservatively and look to avoid an upset against an FCS opponent.

I will be eyeing the first half on anything over 28 when the sportsbooks release them early in the game week.

CHOICE: First half under 28.5

The game odds are updated regularly and are subject to change.

Follow Reed on Twitter @ReedWallach and get all his college football bets on Betting stamp @rw33

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