Colorado is back at Folsom Field for its next Big 12 game, but the early betting market is treating this one like a steep climb. DraftKings opened the Buffaloes as 14.5-point home underdogs against No. 12 Texas Tech, with the Red Raiders laying the points and the total set at 50.5.
Texas Tech comes in at 4-0 and ranked No. 11, while Colorado sits at 2-2 after back-to-back losses to Northwestern and Baylor. That recent skid looks like the biggest reason the spread has stretched this far. Colorado started the year with wins over Georgia Tech and Weber State, but the offense has lost its rhythm over the last two games.
Even with that, the number leaves Colorado some room to hang around. Playing at home gives the Buffaloes a chance to settle in early and keep the game from getting away from them. If Texas Tech is forced to work for every score instead of jumping out fast, the spread starts to look a lot more manageable.
The total of 50.5 points also puts the spotlight on Colorado’s offense, which has managed just 20 combined points in its last two games after scoring 52 against Weber State. Getting back to that earlier level of production will be a must if the Buffaloes want to stay in range.
Quarterback remains one of the biggest storylines. After Deion Sanders benched Colorado quarterback Julian Lewis, the question now is whether he keeps the job or whether Isaac Wilson stays under center.
Colorado will need more than splash plays to keep pace. Sustained drives, a steadier rushing attack, and enough balance to keep Texas Tech from sitting on the pass game all figure to matter.
The Buffaloes do have weapons who can flip things quickly, including wide receiver Joseph Williams and the rest of the receiving corps. But they can’t afford to waste chances if they want to keep the scoreboard close.
On the other side, Colorado’s defense has to keep Texas Tech from dictating the tempo. Slowing the Red Raiders down and forcing longer possessions would give the Buffaloes more chances to stay inside the number.
For now, the line makes Texas Tech the clear favorite. But with 14.5 points to work with and home field behind them, Colorado still has a path to making this one interesting.
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