The Colorado Buffaloes haven’t had a winning season since 2005, but look like something much different this year. Colorado has started the season 5-2 and sits in a tie atop the Pac-12 South after blowing out Arizona State last week.
The Buffaloes will aim to keep it rolling in a tough road matchup against the Stanford Cardinal in Week 8 of the regular season. The Cardinal are slight favorites despite losing two of their last three games but it wouldn’t be a surprise at all to see Colorado escape with a win.
Kickoff for this regular season Week 8 game is set for Saturday, October 22, 2016, at 3 p.m. ET at Stanford Stadium.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Colorado +3
Stanford -3
Odds Analysis
The early money is coming in hard on Colorado, as it is getting more than 90 percent of the action to cover this spread. The Buffaloes are 6-0-1 against the spread this season and will aim to keep up that trend. The Buffaloes could be an enticing moneyline option when that comes out.
Injury Report
Stanford hopes to have the services of star running back Christian McCaffrey. He hasn’t had the same dynamic season as in 2015, but is still one of the best skill players in the country.
McCaffrey missed last week’s win over Notre Dame with an undisclosed injury. Bryce Love filled in admirably with 23 carries for 129 yards but McCaffrey is they key to making this offense go.
He has 99 carries for 520 yards and three touchdowns on the season and is also a receiving threat. McCaffrey was a Heisman Trophy finalist a season ago when he ran for 2,019 yards with eight touchdowns and added 645 receiving yards and five more scores.
Colorado got back its quarterback, Sefo Liufau, last week after he missed several games with an ankle injury. Liufau played well in his return, throwing for 265 yards as the Buffaloes rolled past Arizona State.
Matchup to Watch
Stanford running game vs. Colorado defensive front - The Cardinal don’t have much of a passing game this season. Quarterback Ryan Burns has thrown for only 888 yards with five touchdowns and four interceptions on the year.
Stanford would prefer relying on its running game and defense to control contests. The team averages 146.7 yards per game on the ground, but Colorado can stock up against the run and try to force the Cardinal to the air.
Stanford takes pride in its offensive line being able to control the line of scrimmage but that hasn’t happened every game this year. This one figures to be low scoring, and if Colorado can hold up against the run, it will put the Cardinal in the uncomfortable position of needing to throw a lot.
Free ATS Pick
When the season started, Stanford was the heavy favorite to push for the Pac-12 crown while Colorado was not given much of a chance. Halfway through, the Buffaloes are right in the thick of things while the Cardinal need a strong finish to get back in the race.
This one is imperative for both sides, and figures to be a close contest. Stanford is getting the benefit of the doubt based on its successful recent history, but Colorado has clearly been the better team this season.
The Buffaloes can make a big-time statement with a road win in this one. It should be close, and if McCaffrey plays, he will be the most dynamic performer on the field. However, Colorado is talented enough on both sides of the ball to capture a close one.
The Buffaloes should continue paying off the gamblers that choose them by covering this spread, and are also a viable moneyline choice. Don’t expect a very high scoring total in this one.
College Football Odds: Colorado 20, Stanford 16
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