December 29, 2024

Sport and Betting News

Dec. 28 BYU vs Colorado: Prediction, Odds, Props, and Opt Outs

13 mins
  • #23 Colorado is a 3.5-point favorite over #17 BYU in the 2024 Valero Alamo Bowl on Saturday, December 28
  • Both Shadeur Sanders and Travis Hunter will suit up for the Buffaloes
  • Check out the latest BYU vs Colorado prediction, odds, props and opt outs, below

If you like high-powered offense, you won’t want to miss Saturday’s Valero Alamo Bowl. #23 Colorado (9-3) faces #17 BYU (10-2), in a matchup of Big 12 teams that screams fireworks.

The total is already up a point and a half since the College Football odds were released, and there’s a strong chance the line movement isn’t done.

BYU vs Colorado Odds

Teams Spread Moneyline Total
BYU Cougars +3.5 (-110) +154 O 55 (-110)
Colorado Buffaloes -3.5 (-110) -185 U 55 (-110)

That’s because 69% of the total handle is backing over 50 per the College Football public betting trends. Spread wise, Colorado is favored by 3.5-points, which is down half a point from the market’s peak.

Kickoff for the Valero Alamo Bowl is scheduled for 7:30 pm ET at the Alamodome, in San Antonio, TX, with ABC providing the broadcast coverage.

Odds as of December 27 at 3:30 pm ET. Be sure to check out the best sportsbook promotions before placing a bet on any College Football matchup this week.

BYU vs Colorado Prediction

  • Over 55 (-110)

Both of these teams had a legitimate chance to make the College Football Playoff Bracket before stumbling late. Once eliminated from playoff contention, there was concerns both Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter might sit this one out, but Coach Prime made sure that didn’t happen.

Sanders and Hunter are reportedly being provided more insurance coverage than any player before them. Both are in contention to be the top pick in the NFL Draft, while Hunter was just awarded the Heisman Trophy.

Sanders led Colorado to a Big 12-best 35 points per game, and 6.1 yards per play. He ranked seventh in the nation in passing yards, and second in touchdowns.

Hunter, meanwhile, hauled in 92 catches, 1,152 receiving yards and 14 TD. His stock would be sky-high if he were just a receiver, but the Junior is also one of the best defensive backs in the country.

The problem is, Hunter only patrols one side of the field. The rest of the Buffaloes defense is unspectacular. They coughed up an average of 32 points per outing in their three losses, and are very susceptible to explosive plays.

That’s good news for BYU. They cleared 35 points in six straight games at one point this season for the first time since 1996. Cougars QB Jake Retzlaff can beat you with his arm and his legs, as evident by his 20 passing TD and six rushing scores.

Chase Roberts and Darius Lassiter are both big plays waiting to happen, as each averaged over 15 yards per reception. In the backfield, LJ Martin averages over 5.0 yards per carry, while 17 different players scored touchdowns this season.

Both teams will be at near full strength, with just a starter from each showing up in the College Football Bowl opt out tracker. Linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green for Colorado, and safety Crew Wakley for BYU.

BYU vs Colorado Player Props

Prop Odds
LaJohntay Wester Over 77.5 Receiving Yards -114

Shifting to the College Football props market, we can’t ignore Colorado’s LaJohntay Wester. Sanders has a passing yards over/under of 318.5, and as good as Hunter is, he simply can’t account for all that production.

Enter Wester, who has some massive games on his 2024 resume. The senior wideout has multiple 125+ yard receiving outings this season, with 25 catches in his last three contests alone.

A former track star, Wester is small but incredibly shifty. He’s a YAC monster with game-changing speed, and is being praised by his quarterback and scouts alike for his smooth route-running skills.

Expect Wester to draw favorable matchups with much of the defensive attention on Hunter. He was second to Hunter in targets, catches and yards for Colorado over the final six weeks, while the Cougars ranked 65th in defensive passing success rate this season.

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On December 28th, the BYU Cougars will face off against the Colorado Buffaloes in the San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl. This matchup is sure to be an exciting one, with both teams looking to end their seasons on a high note.

In terms of predictions, BYU comes into this game as the favorite. The Cougars have had a strong season, finishing with a record of 10-2 and ranking 13th in the nation. Their high-powered offense, led by quarterback Zach Wilson, has been a force to be reckoned with all season long. On the other hand, Colorado has had a more up-and-down season, finishing with a record of 4-1 in a shortened Pac-12 schedule.

As for the odds, BYU is currently listed as a 7-point favorite over Colorado. The over/under for the game is set at 61 points, indicating that oddsmakers are expecting a high-scoring affair.

In terms of props, there are a few key players to keep an eye on in this matchup. For BYU, quarterback Zach Wilson will be the player to watch. Wilson has thrown for over 3,200 yards and 30 touchdowns this season, and he will look to continue his impressive play in the Holiday Bowl. On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Isaiah Kaufusi will be tasked with slowing down Colorado’s offense.

For Colorado, quarterback Sam Noyer will be the player to watch. Noyer has thrown for over 1,000 yards and six touchdowns this season, and he will need to have a big game if the Buffaloes are going to pull off the upset. On defense, linebacker Nate Landman will be key in trying to contain BYU’s high-powered offense.

One factor to consider in this game is the potential for opt-outs. With the Holiday Bowl not being one of the premier bowl games, some players on both teams may choose to sit out in order to prepare for the NFL draft or avoid potential injury. It will be important to monitor any news regarding opt-outs leading up to the game.

Overall, the BYU vs Colorado matchup in the Holiday Bowl is shaping up to be an exciting one. With high-powered offenses on both sides and key players to watch, this game has all the makings of a close and competitive contest. Be sure to tune in on December 28th to see which team comes out on top in this Holiday Bowl showdown.

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