Fresh off a seismic upset of TCU, the college football world is buzzing with anticipation as the Colorado Buffaloes, revitalized under the stewardship of Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders, gear up to battle the Nebraska Cornhuskers this forthcoming Saturday. This is a huge game garnering massive attention both from sports fans and especially sports bettors. The victory over TCU has indeed been a vivid display of a potential phenomenal resurgence, sparking renewed aspirations and becoming a focal point in the college football betting world. This dramatic shift in expectations, reflected starkly in the Vegas betting markets, has ignited a fiery debate, prompting enthusiasts and experts alike to ponder the true depth of the Buffaloes' potential based on a single, yet electrifying, performance.
A Look Back
In case you missed it, you can read our previous article on Colorado's stunning upset over TCU here. In brief, despite entering the game as 21-point underdogs, Colorado, under the leadership of Sanders and a standout performance by his son, Shedeur, pulled off a remarkable 45-42 victory. This feat has not only refocused attention on the Buffaloes but also recalibrated their betting prospects significantly.
Unprecedented Betting Buzz
This change in perception is not just a matter of fan talk; it's quantifiable in the betting markets. As Dave Mason of BetOnline put it: "This Colorado action is insane. Never seen anything like this. I'll be shocked if Saturday's game is not the biggest bet college football regular season game in the history of BetOnline."
The swell of attention around Colorado has manifested itself not just in wagers but also in their newfound AP ranking. After the upset over TCU, the Buffaloes are ranked at No. 22 in the AP Top 25, a position they haven't held this early in the season since 2002. While casual bettors often gravitate toward higher-ranked teams, seasoned pros usually set AP rankings aside when making their decisions.
Echoing the high level of betting activity noted by BetOnline, DraftKings—a sportsbook with a broad reach catering to many public bettors—also reports that the Colorado-Nebraska showdown is the most bet football game this weekend, second only to the NFL kickoff game between the Lions and the Chiefs.
The Market Reaction
To say the betting line has moved would be an understatement. The Buffaloes were initially slated as 7.5-point underdogs against Nebraska. After their upset over TCU, FanDuel reopened the line Saturday evening with Nebraska re-priced as only 2.5-point favorites. Overnight as the magnitude of Colorado's upset settled in, the market re-opened with Colorado listed as a 1.5-point favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook and other places. Quickly that line was bet to Colorado -3. By Wednesday, the line settled at Colorado being 3-point favorites at most books, with slightly juiced odds favoring Colorado, demonstrating the market's newfound confidence in the Buffaloes.
Current consensus odds (as of Wednesday 9/6):
Nebraska Cornhuskers +3 (-105) @ Colorado Buffaloes -3 (-115)
Saturday, 12 PM ET on Fox:
It's worth noting that the total for the game has also shifted, increasing by 2 points since the line re-opened Sunday, indicative of expectations for a high-scoring affair. While Colorado's offense impressed throughout their Week 1 upset over TCU, their defense often appeared vulnerable and benefitted greatly from two end-zone interceptions halting promising TCU drives.
NIL Impact
Shedeur Sanders is a name you should get used to hearing. His projected Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) earnings for this season are now at $3.8 million, an increase of $2.5 million following the TCU game, according to metrics from NFL Rookie Watch. This financial leap not only speaks to the drawing power of the Sanders name but also adds another layer to how a single win can ripple through an entire program and beyond.
What to Watch For
Given the upheaval in public perception and betting lines, Saturday's game serves as a crucial litmus test for Colorado. Will they justify the market's sudden infatuation, or will Nebraska, under new coach Matt Rhule, throw cold water on the Buffaloes' hot start?
This Saturday's matchup is more than just another game; it's a barometer for two programs at crossroads. For Colorado, it's a chance to build upon a stunning start to the Deion Sanders era. For bettors, it's an opportunity to evaluate whether the Buffaloes' victory over TCU was a sign of things to come or a flash in the pan that resulted in an overreaction by the betting market. Whatever the outcome, you can bet that all eyes—both on and off the field—will be glued to this one.
Analysis from Pregame Pros
Pregame.com's AJ Hoffman & Scott Seidenberg analyze the shifting dynamics of the upcoming matchup between Colorado and Nebraska, and its potential effect on Colorado's power rating going forward.
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