As each week of the college football season happens, the contenders separate themselves from the pretenders. Week three will help fans assess their teams after some exciting victories and crushing defeats in week two. Here’s what matchups Colorado Division I schools have this weekend:
Where: Canvas Stadium, Fort Collins
How to Watch: CBS
Records: Colorado is 1-1 after losing 28-10 at Nebraska last Saturday. Colorado State is 1-1 after beating Northern Colorado 38-17 at home last Saturday.
Line: Colorado is a seven-point favorite at almost every sportsbook
Notes: Colorado got absolutely destroyed in the first half last Saturday against Nebraska, trailing 28-0 at the half. Colorado star quarterback Shedeur Sanders went 23-28 passing for 244 yards, one touchdown and one interception which was a pick-six.
Sanders’ stat line doesn’t look too bad but he held on to the ball for too long at times and got sacked. Colorado’s offensive and defensive lines were manhandled. The offensive line allowed six sacks and the defensive line had zero sacks. Star wide receiver Travis Hunter had 10 catches for 110 yards.
Colorado State had a balanced attack against Northern Colorado. Quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi went 18-27 for 202 yards passing with a touchdown. Colorado State rushed for 224 yards and three touchdowns.
These teams played last year and Colorado won 43-35 at home. Colorado State hasn’t beaten Colorado since 2014.
Where: McLane Stadium, Waco, Texas
How to Watch: FS1
Records: Air Force lost at home to San José State 17-7 last Saturday to fall to 1-1. Baylor fell to 1-1 after losing at 11th-ranked Utah 23-12 last Saturday.
Line: Baylor is favored by 16.5 points
Notes: Air Force quarterback John Busha struggled against San José State, finishing 7-20 for 54 yards passing and two interceptions. Air Force is known for its rushing attack but has only rushed for 154.5 yards per game this year, compared to 281.5 ypg last year.
Baylor struggled offensively against Utah with only 223 yards of total offense.
These teams last matched up in December of 2022 and Air Force won 30-15.
Where: Nottingham Field, Greeley
How to Watch: ESPN+
Records: Northern Colorado is 0-2 after losing 38-17 at Colorado State last year. Abilene Christian is 1-1 after beating West Georgia 38-24 at home.
Line: No line
Notes: Abilene Christian is a level below Northern Colorado at the FCS level. However, Abilene Christian almost beat Texas Tech in week one but lost 52-51. Abilene Christian quarterback Maverick Mclvor completed 24-37 of his passes for 297 yards and three touchdowns last week.
Northern Colorado struggled to stop the run against Colorado State, allowing 246 yards on the ground. Northern Colorado quarterback Peter Costelli went 11-22 passing for 187 yards and two touchdowns.