Game: Stanford Cardinal @ Colorado Buffaloes
Time: 9:07 p.m.
Odds: Cardinal +11.5, Buffaloes -11.5
Total: 59.5
The Colorado Buffaloes (4-2 SU, 3-2-1 ATS) are heavy favorites to win a second straight conference game when they take on the Stanford Cardinal (1-4, 2-3) tonight. The Buffaloes snapped an eight-game losing streak to Pac-12 opponents with a 27-24 win over Arizona State last week. Stanford, which is 1-9 SU in its last ten games, has been just as miserable as Colorado in Pac-12 play. The Cardinal have won just two of their past 18 conference games. That’s why Stanford may not be all that sad to see the Pac-12 break up after this season.
After losing to Oregon 42-6 two weeks ago, Stanford had an extra week to reflect on its most recent setback. In addition to going 1-9 SU in its last ten games, Stanford is now 4-18 ATS in its last 22. Before the wheels finally came off, Stanford battled the Ducks for a while, even preventing Oregon from gaining a first down in the first quarter.
Justin Lamson, Stanford’s starting quarterback, was benched in favor of Ashton Daniels, the backup, who completed three of four passes for 27 yards. Daniels left the game after taking a significant blow, so the Cardinal may not have him as a starting option this week.
After an unexpected 3-0 start, Colorado has since come back to earth. The Ducks lost their next two games to ranked opponents before beating Arizona State last week. Despite the fact that the victory ended the Buffaloes’ eight-game conference losing streak, head coach Deion Sanders ripped into his team afterward, calling them “hot garbage.”
Shedeur Sanders, the team’s quarterback, did just enough to help Colorado drive for the game-winning field goal with 12 seconds remaining. He completed a 43-yard pass, ran for a touchdown, and completed one touchdown pass. Sanders, however, didn’t have much time to work with an offensive line that has given up the second-most sacks in the nation. Sanders was sacked five times against the Sun Devils.
Although Stanford’s offense has been terrible this season—ranking 102nd in total yards and 112th in yards per play—it might finally find some success against Colorado’s awful defense. The Buffaloes rank 129th against the pass and 130th in terms of yards allowed, which can both help Stanford stay in the game. It also offers some potential for a backdoor cover.
Stanford’s defense will try to keep Shedeur Sanders under pressure and take advantage of the Buffaloes’ subpar offensive line. The Buffs have been held to 27 or fewer points in two of their last three games after scoring 36 or more in each of their first three contests.
Colorado may have grown too cocky after going 3-0 to start the season. The Buffs may have learned their lesson after last week’s hard-fought victory at Arizona State. Stanford is the ideal place for Coach Sanders to run up the score and regain some of his signature swagger.
Even though the Buffs’ defense has struggled at times this season—allowing 35 or more points in four of their first six games—they have demonstrated the ability to thwart meager offenses. Colorado was able to hold Nebraska to 14 points and Arizona State to 24. Stanford is just 2-9 SU in its last 11 road games.
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