Predictions, Odds, Line, and Props for Colorado vs Nebraska Game on September 7th

Sep 9, 2023; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) scrambles past Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive lineman Nash Hutmacher (0) in the fourth quarter at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

• Colorado faces Nebraska for the second straight year on Saturday (Sep. 7)
• The latest Colorado vs Nebraska odds favor the Cornhuskers by 7 points
• Read below for Colorado vs Nebraska prediction, odds and player props

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The Colorado Buffaloes and Nebraska Cornhuskers will renew their rivalry on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM ET, and the game will be broadcast nationally on NBC.

This marquee matchup features two programs on the rise, with Colorado entering their second year under head coach Deion Sanders and Nebraska looking to build on a promising start to the Matt Rhule era.

Last season, Colorado dominated Nebraska 36-14 in Boulder, but the Cornhuskers are favored by 7 points in this year’s rematch.

Colorado vs Nebraska Prediction

I’m targeting a unique bet for my Nebraska vs Colorado prediction, but I believe it offers the best betting value for this CFB Week 2 showdown. Here’s my rationale for my Saturday pick:

Colorado vs Nebraska Best Bet Analysis

Both teams showcased their potential in Week 1, with Nebraska cruising to a 40-7 victory over UTEP and Colorado holding off a tough North Dakota State squad 31-26. The Buffaloes’ win was less impressive than expected, as they were 11.5-point favorites but struggled to contain the Bison’s offense.

Colorado’s defense, which ranked 110th nationally against the run last season, allowed 157 rushing yards to North Dakota State. I forecast CU’s rush defense will be a problem again in 2024-25, especially against strong rushing teams like Nebraska.

TOUCHDOWN, Bison!

Cam Miller runs it in from 7 yards out.

Bison up 17-14 on Colorado. pic.twitter.com/JlRmQV4R76

— NDSU Football (@NDSUfootball) August 30, 2024

On the other hand, Nebraska’s freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola shined in his debut, completing 19 of 27 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns. Raiola’s poise and accuracy suggest that the Cornhuskers have finally found stability at the quarterback position after years of inconsistency.

Similarly, Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders also had a strong opening performance, throwing for 445 yards and four touchdowns. However, he will face a tougher test against Nebraska’s defense.

Shedeur Sanders magic 🪄
pic.twitter.com/d9pGuVhODM

— PFF (@PFF) August 30, 2024

The revenge factor cannot be overlooked in this matchup. Last year, Colorado ran up the score against Nebraska, and the Cornhuskers will be eager to settle the score on their home turf. Additionally, I consider Matt Rhule a better coach than Deion Sanders, especially given his record of building disciplined teams.

I’m backing the Nebraska first-quarter spread of -3 (-115 at Bet365). The red and white will be motivated for revenge and are developing a trend of covering the 1Q spread (two out of last three games). Look for Matt Rhule’s experience and preparation to give the Cornhuskers an early edge over Sanders’ Buffs.

• Best Bet: Nebraska -3 1Q (-115 at Bet365)

Colorado vs Nebraska Odds

Nebraska is listed as a 7-point favorite over Colorado, with the moneyline odds set at Nebraska -280 and Colorado +230 (Bet365). The implied probability based on these odds suggests that Nebraska has a 72.2% chance of winning the game outright, while Colorado has a 32.3% chance of pulling off the upset.

Several factors contribute to the oddsmakers’ confidence in Nebraska. These include the Cornhuskers’ dominant Week 1 performance, the emergence of Dylan Raiola at quarterback, and their home-field advantage.

Moreover, Nebraska’s strength in the trenches on both sides of the ball could prove problematic for Colorado. This is especially true considering the Buffaloes’ struggles to establish a running game against North Dakota State.

The over/under for the game is set at 56.5 points, indicating that bookmakers expect a relatively high-scoring affair. This is not surprising given the offensive firepower on both teams, particularly at the quarterback position with Raiola and Sanders.

Odds as of Sep. 5 at Bet365 Sportsbook. Browse the available college football betting apps for Colorado vs Nebraska.

Colorado vs Nebraska Player Props

Prop Picks #1: Dylan Raiola Over 234.5 Passing Yards

In his debut against UTEP, Raiola threw for 238 yards, which is slightly above this prop’s threshold. With a game under his belt and facing a Colorado defense that allowed 292 passing yards to North Dakota State, Raiola is primed for a breakout performance.

His accuracy and decision-making were impressive in Week 1, and he should have ample opportunities to showcase his arm talent in this high-profile matchup.

Dylan Raiola shined in his @HuskerFootball debut 🌟#B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/ssuwBF92y0

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) September 1, 2024

Prop Picks #2: Dallan Hayden Under Rushing Yards

Hayden struggled to find running room against North Dakota State in Week 1, managing just 20 yards on nine carries. Colorado’s offensive line had difficulty creating holes for the running game, a trend that could continue against Nebraska’s stout defensive front.

The Cornhuskers’ run defense was solid last season, and they have the size and physicality to make life difficult for Hayden and the Buffaloes’ ground attack. If Colorado falls behind early, they may be forced to abandon the run, further limiting Hayden’s opportunities to rack up yardage.

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