Cougars vs Buffaloes Predictions, Odds and NCAAF Picks Saturday 12-28-2024

The Colorado Buffaloes and BYU Cougars will match up in the Alamo Bowl. The Buffaloes are the favorites, expected to win by at least a field goal but less than a touchdown (currently -3). The game has an over/under of 54 points.

The Buffaloes came out on top 52-0 last time out when they met the Oklahoma State Cowboys. In their most recent outing, the Cougars took on the Houston Cougars and picked up the win by a final score of 30-18.

BYU vs. Colorado Game Info

When: Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas
TV: ABC
Favorite: Colorado -3
Total: 54 points

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BYU vs. Colorado Matchup Stats

Colorado		BYU
397.6 (70th)	Off. Yards Avg. (Rank)	393.3 (73rd)
353.7 (40th)	Def. Yards Avg. (Rank)	317 (12th)
70.4 (134th)	Rush Yards Avg. (Rank)	159.4 (72nd)
327.2 (4th)	Pass Yards Avg. (Rank)	233.9 (59th)
13 (27th)	Turnovers (Rank)	18 (67th)
23 (17th)	Takeaways (Rank)	27 (5th)

BYU vs. Colorado Picks

Score Prediction

Prediction: Colorado 27, BYU 26

Spread Pick

Pick ATS: BYU +3 (model predicted spread is 1.2 points)

Colorado has posted a 9-2-0 record against the spread this season.
The Buffaloes have a 5-0 record against the spread when favored by 3 points or more this season.
BYU's ATS record is 6-4-1 this season.
The Cougars have a 3-1 record against the spread in games they were an underdog by 3 points or more this season.

Total Pick

Pick OU: Under 54 (model projecting 53.5 points)

In seven games this season, Colorado and its opponent have combined for more than 54 points.
Cougars games have gone over 54 points on four occasions this year.
The total for this game is 54, 3.1 points fewer than the average total in Colorado games thus far this season.
Cougars games average 48.5 total points, 5.5 fewer than the total for this matchup.

Team Leaders

Colorado Team Leaders

Shedeur Sanders: 3,926 PASS YDS / 327.2 YPG / 74.2% / 35 TD / 8 INT
Isaiah Augustave: 82 CAR / 373 YDS / 33.9 YPG / 4 TD / 11 REC / 62 YDS / 6.2 YPG / 0 TD
Dallan Hayden: 63 CAR / 196 YDS / 16.3 YPG / 1 TD / 16 REC / 94 YDS / 7.8 YPG / 0 TD
Travis Hunter: 92 REC / 1,152 YDS / 96 YPG / 14 TD
LaJohntay Wester: 70 REC / 880 YDS / 73.3 YPG / 10 TD
Will Sheppard: 47 REC / 617 YDS / 51.4 YPG / 6 TD
B.J. Green II: 20 TKL / 8 TFL / 7.5 SACK
Cam’Ron Silmon: 68 TKL / 7 TFL / 2 SACK
Hunter: 21 TKL / 1 TFL / 4 INT / 4 PD

BYU Team Leaders

Jake Retzlaff: 2,747 PASS YDS / 228.9 YPG / 57.6% / 20 TD / 10 INT / 93 CAR / 389 RUSH YDS / 6 TD
LJ Martin: 121 CAR / 630 YDS / 52.5 YPG / 5 TD / 8 REC / 65 YDS / 5.4 YPG / 2 TD
Chase Roberts: 50 REC / 794 YDS / 66.2 YPG / 4 TD
Darius Lassiter: 43 REC / 679 YDS / 56.6 YPG / 4 TD
Keelan Marion: 23 REC / 340 YDS / 28.3 YPG / 1 TD
Jack Kelly: 46 TKL / 7 TFL / 5 SACK / 1 INT / 1 PD
Harrison Taggart: 60 TKL / 1 TFL / 1 INT / 1 PD
Tanner Wall: 46 TKL / 3 INT / 3 PD