Colorado State vs Texas Odds
| Colorado State Rams Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+35 -108 | 60.5 -112o / -108u | +3500 |
| Texas Longhorns Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-35 -112 | 60.5 -112o / -108u | -20000 |
This match-up with the Colorado State Rams marks multiple new beginnings for the Texas Longhorns.
First, it marks the start of a new season filled with high expectations. Second, this will be the first game the Longhorns play as members of the SEC.
However, with all that comes the added pressure of a demanding schedule that picks up immediately following this opener.
That may leave the door open for the Colorado State Rams.
Let's take a look at the Colorado State vs Texas odds and make a pick for Saturday, Aug. 31.
Colorado State vs Texas Prediction
- Colorado State vs Texas Prediction: Colorado State +32
My Colorado State vs Texas prediction, pick and best bet is on the Rams to cover the spread in our Colorado State vs Texas odds, with the best line currently available at BetMGM, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Colorado State vs Texas Preview
The Colorado State Rams come into the 2024 season looking to build off the momentum of 2023. They improved from a 3-9 record in 2022 to 5-7 as they narrowly missed going bowling by losing to Hawaii in their season finale.
Regardless of how the year ended, the Rams made great strides offensively with Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi as quarterback. He led a pass-happy offense that finished 67th nationally in completion percentage and 80th in yards per pass.
The connection between Nicolosi and wide receiver Tory Horton was undeniable. Horton caught 96 passes for 1,136 yards and scored eight times last season. Undoubtedly, the Longhorns need to keep an eye on him.
However, speaking of steps forward, we must see one from the Longhorns secondary. The pass defense was Texas' Achilles heel last season when Michael Penix shredded them in the College Football Playoff.
Overall, the Longhorns finished just 66th in completion percentage allowed and 54th in yards per pass allowed last season. It also exerted little pressure on opposing quarterbacks, ranking 78th in sack rate.
The Rams were excellent at protecting Nicolosi in 2023; we should see the same in 2024. So, we can't count out the Rams' passing attack until Texas shows us otherwise.
Texas has made its resurgence to the upper echelon of college football under Steve Sarkisian. He built an SEC-caliber program in just a few years, and now he can really test it.
For the Longhorns, it all starts under center with junior quarterback Quinn Ewers. The former blue-chip recruit has lived up to the hype and is one of the best quarterbacks in the country.
On Sundays, we'll see multiple Texas receivers from last year's team. The Longhorns receiving corps has been reloaded from the transfer portal. Isaiah Bond from Alabama, Silas Bolden from Oregon State, and Matthew Golden from Houston will become household names in Austin this season.
The most significant question mark for the Longhorns is the rushing attack. C.J. Baxter was injured in the summer and cannot play this year, so Jaydon Blue will do most of the work.
While we could see Blue breakout this season as a three-down back, he has a sneaky tough matchup against the Rams. Colorado State ranked 52nd in yards per rush allowed, and teams did not run on them much.
That's mainly because Colorado State's secondary struggled mightily. We should see Ewers and the company have a ton of success through the air, but we might not see everything as a big matchup with Michigan is looming next week.
My Colorado State vs Texas Pick & Prediction
The spread is large and for good reason, as the Longhorns have a massive edge through the air offensively.
However, a significant external factor in this matchup is that Texas is likely looking ahead to its game against Michigan next week.
They likely won't show the whole playbook against Colorado State, and we may not see the starters for much of the second half.
Therefore, I wouldn't be surprised to see Colorado State sneak in the back door on Saturday.
We know the Rams will not stop throwing the ball, and it should allow them to get on the board, particularly late in the game, and cover the spread.
My Pick: Colorado State +32 (Play to 28.5)
How to Watch Colorado State vs. Texas Live: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX |
| Date: | Saturday, Aug. 31 |
| Kickoff Time: | 3:30 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | ESPN |
