Following their 2023 Big 12 championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff, College Football odds expectations are sky-high for the Texas Longhorns. Texas is a new member of the SEC, and the preseason excitement in Austin is as high as anyone can remember. Next week, the Longhorns have a high-profile game at Michigan for FOX Big Noon. Thus, Saturday’s season opener against the Colorado State Rams could bring the potential of peaking ahead. One of the most interesting stories for Texas is how much playing time Arch Manning will get behind Quinn Ewers.
Colorado State Rams vs. Texas Longhorns NCAAF Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, August 31, 2024, 3:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | DKR Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, TX |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado State | +32 -110 | 59½ -110 | – |  |
| Texas | -32 -110 | 59½ -110 | – | |
| ||||
Colorado State Rams Team Overview
Cause of a last-second loss at Hawaii, Colorado State just missed out on a bowl in coach Jay Norvell’s second season. The Rams improved by two sportsbook wins from 2022 to ’23. Consider that three defeats by one score prevented this team from a higher finish in the standings.
Now, for 2024, Colorado State’s offense is poised to lead this team to a breakthrough 2024 campaign. Quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi (3,460 passing yards and 22 TDs last season) is a rising star. Additionally, All-American receiver Tory Horton is back for one more season. Also, three starters return from a much-improved offensive line. While running back Justin Marshall ran for 311 yards in the team’s final three contests in ’23.
The Rams took a step back on defense last season by allowing 5.75 yards in conference play after giving up just 4.8 in ’22. However, coordinator Freddie Banks has a strong foundation in place with six returning starters. Including safeties Jack Howell and Henry Blackburn and linebacker Chase Wilson. However, end Mohamed Kamara (17 TFL) leaves big shoes to fill up front.
Texas Longhorns Team Overview
In 2024 Texas should have its best team since coach Steve Sarkisian arrived. Certainly, they are going to need it. Cause by the Longhorns leaving the relatively weaker Big 12 Conference, and its seven-on-seven football culture. Now Texas is a member of the man-eating SEC, where it just means more.
Gamblers question whether Texas’ offense has reloaded successfully with portal pass-catchers. Also, the defense’s ability to develop a solid rotation of interior linemen is in doubt. If these moves work, the Longhorns have a chance to contend in Year 1 in the SEC. Of course, Texas has the goal of reaching the 12-team College Football Playoff. Its power matchup in Michigan on Sept. 7 will be an early barometer.
Namely, QB Quinn Ewers is a Heisman Trophy favorite. At the same time, sophomore backup Arch Manning is said to be ready to take over and push Ewers. Sarkisian is simply reloading a unit that averaged 35.8 points per game in reaching the College Football Playoff in 2023.
On the other hand, It might be too much to expect Texas’ defense to maintain its No. 3 FBS ranking against the run in 2023 (82.4 ypg). Especially after losing key NFL draftees such as T’Vondre Sweat, Byron Murphy, and Jaylan Ford. Still, Texas has a lot of returning talent.
Colorado State at Texas SBG Free Picks
Colorado State is a good enough team to stay within the number. Texas will draw too much casual support with the College Football odds.
Colorado State at Texas SBG Best Bet: Colorado State Rams.