The Northern Colorado Bears (0-1) take on the Colorado State Rams (0-1) on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. ET on the Mountain West Network.
This in-state showdown doesn't have a line out as of writing, but expect the Rams to open as big favorites.
So, where does the betting value lie here? Let's take a look at my Northern Colorado Bears vs. Colorado State Rams prediction for Saturday, Sept. 7 below.
Northern Colorado Bears vs Colorado State Rams Prediction
- Pick: Colorado State -27.5 or Better
Odds are not available at the time of writing.
Northern Colorado Bears vs Colorado State Rams Preview
Northern Colorado Bears Betting Preview: Defensive Issues for Bears
Northern Colorado enters this matchup after a season-opening loss to Incarnate Ward, marking its 13th consecutive defeat since November 2022.
While the first half was competitive, the Cardinals pulled away in the fourth quarter. The defense allowed over 400 yards, including over five yards per carry on the ground. Still, NoCo covered as a three-touchdown 'dog.
Shea Kuykendall was projected to be the Bears' starter in the preseason before transferring to Washington late in the portal window. Peter Costelli is the new QB1, and he took the majority of the Week 1 snaps, averaging 5.4 yards per attempt.
Colorado State transfer running back Vann Schield posted 80 yards on 11 attempts, although the bulk came on a 58-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.
The Bears are still rebuilding after firing Ed McCaffrey and hiring Ed Lamb, who is now in year 2. They also promoted special teams coordinator Justin Walterscheid to offensive coordinator, while Preston Hadley enters his second year as defensive coordinator.
The defense is the big concern. It returns only five starters from a unit that allowed 468 yards per game last season. It couldn't stop the run (five YPC allowed) or the pass (68% completion percentage allowed).
The numbers were even worse on the road, where the Bears were outgained by 234 yards per game. They also didn't record a single sack in the season's first four games.
Colorado State Rams Betting Preview: There's Still Hope
Colorado State enters this matchup after a road defeat at the hands of Texas, 52-0.
The Rams saw the game get away from them in the second quarter after an unsuccessful fake punt, and the onslaught ensued. Texas overwhelmed the Rams in the middle frames and had a field day on offense, averaging 7.7 yards per play while throwing for 355 yards in the contest.
The Texas defense was too much for Colorado State, as Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi went just 10-for-19 for 59 yards. He never seemed comfortable in the pocket.
Colorado State wants to throw the ball a lot, and its offense is predicated on giving its quarterback time to make solid reads and take what the defense gives it. Underneath routes, crossing routes, sideline concepts and deep shots are all mixed into the game plan.
That did not happen against the Longhorns.
The bright spot was the ground game, as Justin Marshall ran for 106 yards in the contest.
Going forward, I like what Colorado State brings back at wide receiver in electric Tory Horton, along with transfers Donovan Ollie and Armani Winfield. Despite what we saw against an elite Texas front seven, the offensive line is also improved.
Fowler-Nicolosi can be one of the MWC's top quarterbacks but must reduce turnovers. The Rams have a great returning defensive backfield, and they expect improvement on the defensive line this season through transfer portal additions.
Northern Colorado Bears vs Colorado State Rams Pick & Prediction
This week, the Rams are looking to regroup and get their season back on track against one of the worst teams in the Big Sky Conference.
We might get a little extra value in this matchup, considering how rough the Colorado State game against Texas was last week.
I reviewed the returning personnel for Northern Colorado's linebacker and secondary units. With three linebackers and five of the top six defensive backs gone, it'll be a major struggle to cover Colorado State's skill group.
We saw Colorado State pile up passing numbers against teams that couldn't cover or produce a pass rush last season. We should see a perfect example of that this week.
Northern Colorado is used to catching 30-plus points when facing FBS competition. With a projected line of CSU -23.5 and the Rams coming off of an embarrassing loss in Week 1, I can see a rebound here.
Pick: Colorado State -27.5 or Better
How to Watch Northern Colorado Bears vs Colorado State Rams Live: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | Canvas Stadium, Fort Collins, CO |
| Date: | Saturday, Sept. 7 |
| Kickoff Time: | 7 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | Mountain West Network |
Northern Colorado Bears vs Colorado State Rams Betting Trends
- Colorado State is 0-1 SU and ATS this season after losing to Texas 52-0 as a 35-point underdog in Week 1.
- Northern Colorado is 0-1 SU but 1-0 ATS this year after losing to Incarnate Ward, 28-7, as a 21.5-point underdog last week.
Northern Colorado Bears vs Colorado State Rams Weather
