Colorado and Baylor enter Big 12 play with identical 2-1 records, but the vibes surrounding these two programs couldn’t feel much different heading into Week 4.
Baylor has responded nicely since its season-opening loss to Auburn, winning back-to-back games at home, including a 36-19 victory over Louisiana Tech last weekend. Now the Bears get to stay in Waco for their Big 12 opener with a chance to establish some early momentum in conference play.
Colorado, meanwhile, is trying to pick up the pieces after one of the ugliest performances of the Deion Sanders era. The Buffaloes went to Northwestern last weekend and were blasted 41-7, turning the ball over four times while failing to score until the second half.
That makes Saturday’s trip to Waco a fascinating early test for Coach Prime and the Buffs.
Was Northwestern simply one disastrous afternoon for a young Colorado team? Or did that game expose bigger problems that could follow the Buffaloes into Big 12 play?
Baylor now gets the first opportunity to find out — and for Colorado, avoiding a second straight ugly road performance suddenly feels pretty important.
Colorado vs. Baylor Odds
- Spread: Baylor -10
- Over/Under: 55.5
- Moneyline: Baylor -380/Colorado +300
Odds as of Wednesday morning. Odds are subject to change.
The Biggest Question: What is Colorado’s Offense?
Colorado’s offense was supposed to have a new look under new OC Brennan Marion’s Go-Go offense, with quarterback Julian Lewis leading the way. So far, it’s been an underwhelming first three games, notably vs. Power 4 competition, with the offense scoring three touchdowns in 120 minutes vs. Georgia Tech and Northwestern. Colorado’s scoring offense is 16th (last) in the Big 12 Conference. The CU offense is ranked 13th in the Big 12 Conference in Time of Possession. The Buffaloes have some pieces on defense, but this unit can’t get worn down in Waco or it’s going to be a long night.
Colorado vs. Baylor Prediction and Pick
Prediction: Baylor 24, Colorado 20
There’s no doubt Colorado is a mess right now. Deion Sanders admitted to kicking multiple players off the team this week after Saturday’s debacle vs. Northwestern. But, what is that was rock bottom? There’s a bunch of sharp money on Baylor here, in full disclosure. I just don’t believe Baylor, with QB DJ Lagway returning from injury, has earned the right to be a double-digit favorite in league play. I get how bad Colorado looked last week, but it feels like an overreaction line in this spot. Baylor hasn’t shown much in the running game yet, has racked up big passing yards vs. mid competition, has been the second-sloppiest team in penalty yards in the Big 12 (Colorado is worst) and has the third-worst opponent third down percentage in the league. The Buffaloes have Texas Tech and Utah on deck, so if they have any hope of keeping this season mildly compelling, they need to win this game. I don’t believe they will, but it’ll be a much more focused team that what we saw the last two weeks.
Baylor wins. Colorado covers.
