Kansas State vs Colorado Betting, Predictions, Odds, Picks, Lines

DJ Giddens and the No. 18 Kansas State Wildcats travel to Boulder to take on Heisman-hopeful Travis Hunter and the Colorado Buffaloes. The total for this game opened at 49.5 and climbed to 55.5 as of Friday morning.

Since losing to Nebraska in Week 2, Deion Sanders’ squad has rattled off three straight wins, the most recent being their 48-21 win over UCF two weeks ago. Meanwhile, Kansas State is tied for No. 18 in the AP poll with Indiana and Oklahoma, marking the first time since 1998 that three or more teams have been tied for a spot in the poll.

A win for either team makes the path to the Big 12 Championship game much easier. You can catch all the action at 10:15 pm ET on ESPN.

Odds current as of publication courtesy of ESPN BET

the lines

Diffusion: Kansas State (-3.5)
Moneyline: Kansas State (-165), Colorado (+140)
Over/under: 55.5 (-115/-105)

First Half Spread: Kansas State -2.5 (-115), Colorado +2.5 (-105)
First Half Moneyline: Kansas State (-160), Colorado (+125)
First Half Total Points: O/U 24.5 points (-175/+135)

Picks by Pamela Maldonado: Kansas State +3.5 at Colorado

Colorado +5.5 was my first bet on Monday, since then the line has moved to +3.5. Despite this change, I’m sticking with Colorado and believe they can win outright (+180).

Shedeur Sanders and the Buffs’ receivers are ready to exploit Kansas State’s secondary. Sanders’ ability to throw under pressure will challenge the Wildcats’ defense. He is 10th in total passing yards (1,630), 14th in completion percentage (70.1%), and tied for the fifth-most passing touchdowns (14) despite being the nation’s third-most sacked quarterback (17).

Sanders’ success is due in part to a strong receiving corps led by Heisman candidate Travis Hunter, who has 46 receptions for 561 yards and six touchdowns through five games. Kansas State’s front seven is a weakness, ranked 127th by PFF, which could give Sanders more time to find open receivers. Additionally, K-State has one of the worst secondaries in the nation, ranking 115th in passing yards.

Colorado’s defense, meanwhile, has shown significant improvement since the 2023 season. They forced four turnovers in Week 5 and slowed UCF’s nation-leading rushing offense. The Buffs’ defense has forced nine turnovers in the past three games and tied for fourth-best in the FBS, allowing no more than seven points in the second half all season.

Colorado’s loss to Nebraska in Week 3 sparked a turnaround for the team. They showed resilience in the second half that carried over into subsequent games. The Buffaloes outscored opponents 124-61 in 14 quarters from halftime of the Nebraska game. Their improved defense, offensive prowess and growing confidence make them strong upset picks against Kansas State.

betting trends

Research courtesy of ESPN

• Kansas State is 0-5 ATS as a road favorite since the start of last season.

• Colorado is 3-0 ATS as a home underdog under Deion Sanders.

• Colorado is 6-1 ATS in their last seven conference games, and they have been underdogs in six of those seven.

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