Colorado vs. Oregon State odds: Early point spread released on Buffaloes, Beavers

Colorado has lost two games in a row and oddsmakers expect the downward spiral to continue. According to FanDuel, No. 11 Oregon State is a 14-point favorite against Colorado in the programs’ upcoming matchup.

Nonetheless, Colorado isn’t the only program entering the Week 10 matchup off a loss. On Saturday, Arizona put the nation on notice, defeating Oregon State 27-24. In the loss, Oregon State standout quarterback DJ Uiagalelei posted a subpar stat line.

Uiagalelei only completed 16-of-his-30 pass attempts for 230 yards. He also recorded 10 rushes for 16 total yards. In fairness, Uiagalelei did not commit a turnover in the outing and tossed two touchdowns. However, the performance was certainly below Uiagalelei’s standards.

After the game, Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith addressed the Beavers’ struggles in the passing game.

“There were some creases there in the passing game that we missed on a couple of them,” Smith said. “We busted a couple times in protection that we didn’t protect him as well. And so it was a little bit hit and miss. We had some explosive plays in the pass game, but it wasn’t nearly as effective, consistently and effective.”

Colorado’s defense will be challenged by Oregon State

If Oregon State is looking for an opponent they can successfully pass against, it has come to the right place. Colorado’s secondary has been abysmal this season. The team allows 310.4 passing yards per game, the second-most in the country.

Despite boasting a bye week to mend its issues, Colorado’s defensive backs didn’t look any more stout in their 28-16 loss to UCLA. The Buffaloes gave up 269 passing yards to the Bruins, allowing UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers to connect on 74% of his pass attempts.

Worse, Colorado’s offense sputtered. The team only tallied 242 total yards, a low mark for the typically explosive team. Per usual, Colorado’s offensive issues could be tracked back to its offensive line. The Buffaloes’ front five allowed seven sacks in the outing. Colorado has allowed the second-most sacks in the nation this season.

Head coach Deion Sanders was blunt about his team’s need for improvement.

“Offensively, we gotta improve, you see that,” Sanders said. “Our quarterback is taking a beating. He got an injection at halftime, I probably shouldn’t tell you that but you know I’m 100, just to block all the pain, so I’ll give him the next few days off so he can at least be mobile because I know when that block is off he’s gonna feel it.”

Quarterback Shedeur Sanders will have a week to rest before taking on Oregon State. He will need every ounce of energy. The two teams will face off at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.