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Colorado at West Virginia Football Picks & Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd

colo wvu 92809 The Colorado Buffaloes head to Morgantown, West Virginia for a Thursday night non-conference showdown with the Mountaineers on ESPN. The Buffaloes won last year’s meetings at home 17-14 in a defensive battle, but football odds makers are confident the Mountaineers will have their revenge, listing West Virginia as a 17-point favorite.

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Colorado won in overtime on Aric Goodman’s field goal to shock the Mountaineers last season. The Buffaloes have not had a bigger win since as it was the last time they have beaten a ranked opponent. This year’s West Virginia team isn’t expected to be as good as last year’s team now that QB Pat White has moved on, but this year’s Colorado team is falling well below expectations early.

Offensively, the Buffaloes will have to be able to run the football effectively to have a chance. Both Darrell Scott and Rodney Stewart have been dinged up in the early going, but the Buffs should get a boost from both running backs being on the field this week as both are expected to play. Stewart rushed for 127 yards in Colorado’s win against Wyoming. It is important the the Buffaloes run the football effectively to take the pressure off of QB Cody Hawkins and also to keep West Virginia’s explosive offense off the field.

Defensively, the Buffaloes have to be excited about pitching a shutout against Wyoming, but they know this week’s opponent is far superior. Colorado was allowing 38.5 points and 500 yards of offense through the first two games and allowing offensive numbers like that this week is sure to get the Buffs beat badly. Colorado’s defense must look to be a big play unit this week. The Mountaineers have had trouble with ball security, committing six turnovers against Auburn last game, so Colorado may be able to take advantage of more West Virginia blunders. It is worth noting that the Mountaineers are 1-4 against the number in their last five home games versus a team with a losing road record and just 2-5 against the spread in their last seven games as a home favorite of 10.5 or more points. If you think the books are giving the Buffaloes too many points, bet Colorado at +17 at BetUS.

The key to West Virginia winning this football game is likely as simple as holding on to the football. The Mountaineers have committed 10 turnovers in their last two games and QB Jarrett Brown has been a big reason for the lack of ball security. He threw four interceptions and lost a fumble in West Virginia’s last game. I expect the Mountaineers to lean more on the running game, led by Noel Devine, this week. Devine only got 15 carries against Auburn, but he scored three touchdowns. There’s just no excuse for not getting him 25 totes per game.

Defensively, the Mountaineers must do a better job of defending the airways. They gave up 300 yards passing to Auburn and Colorado is not afraid to hoist it up with Hawkins, even though he has not been that accurate. Expect to see plenty of blitzing from the Mountaineers and also expect them to get a boost from the return of middle linebacker Reed Williams. Tackle Scooter Berry is still listed as day-to-day. It is also worth noting that the Buffaloes are only 2-11 against the spread in their last 13 games as a road underdog. If you like the Mountaineers to win big at home, bet West Virginia at -17 at BetUS.

If you’re looking to bet on NCAA football this week, make sure you’re betting Jimmy Boyd’s expert football picks for guaranteed results!

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