Colorado State Rams vs Texas Longhorns Prediction, Picks and Game Preview - 08/31/2024

by Rod Pearson

Sunday, Aug 25, 2024
Game Time: 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, August 31, 2024
Venue:  Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX 
Where to Watch:  ESPN


Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks

DraftKings:  Point Spread:  CSU +32.5, Texas -32.5; Over/Under:  59.5 points
Bet365:  Point Spread:  CSU +32.5, Texas -32.5; Over/Under:  59.5 points
BetMGM:  Point Spread:  CSU +32.5, Texas -32.5; Over/Under:  59.5 points

Season Record

Colorado State Rams:  0-0 (0-0) (MWC)
Texas Longhorns:  0-0 (0-0) (SEC)

Do not miss out on our expert handicapper analysis! Vegas Writer finished last season with a winning record in CFB, going 60-48-3 for +$7,410 PROFIT! Make sure you check out his picks and many more from the expert handicappers featured in the Shop Picks section.

Recent Form
Colorado State Rams:  N/A
Texas Longhorns:  N/A


Colorado State Rams vs Texas Longhorns Preview and Analysis


Colorado State finished last season with a 5-7 record overall and they had a 3-5 record in their conference games too.  They were 4-2 in their home games, 1-5 in their road games, and they were also 0-0 in their neutral site games last season, but they will be on the road for this season opener. Last season, their offense was averaging 26.1 points scored per game while their defense was allowing an average of 29.6 points per game. Their offense also averaged 398.7 yards per game while their defense was allowing an average of 415.9 yards per game. Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi led the team in passing yards with 3460, Vann Schield led the team in rushing yards with 389, and Tory Horton led the team in receiving yards with 1136.
 
 
 
Texas finished last season with a 12-2 record overall and they had an 8-1 record in their conference games too.  They were 6-0 in their home games, 5-0 in their road games, and they were also 1-2 in their neutral site games last season, but they will be at home for this season opener. Last season, their offense was averaging 35.8 points scored per game while their defense was allowing an average of 18.9 points per game. Their offense also averaged 477.5 yards per game while their defense was allowing an average of 336.7 yards per game. Quinn Ewers led the team in passing yards with 3479, Jonathon Brooks led the team in rushing yards with 1139, and Xavier Worthy led the team in receiving yards with 1014.


Colorado State vs Texas Prediction

The current betting odds have Texas listed as a 32.5 point favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. Texas finished last season with a 12-2 record overall and managed to make it to the college football playoff where they fizzled out in the 1st game. They were the best team in their conference and won the Big 12 Championship, but now they aren't going to be the best team in their conference this season and will have to prove themselves once again. They are playing their first season in the SEC and even though they are taking on a Mountain West team here, they will be looking to make a statement in their 1st home game this season. Colorado State wasn't a great team last season with their 5-7 record overall which didn't even get them to a bowl game. They were only 3-5 in their conference games and were terrible on the road, going 1-5 in their road games. They are returning some key players on offense and that is going to help them since they should see some improvements this year, but Texas is also returning a lot of their talent on offense and they have another point to prove this season. Texas went out with a bang as they won the Big 12 Championship, but now their eyes will be set on winning the SEC and getting back to the CFP. This is more of a tune up game for Texas at home but they will want to make a statement now that they are in the SEC so expect a blowout win from them as they hold nothing back on offense. The best way to place a bet here is on Texas to cover the spread in this game. 

Colorado State Texas Prediction:  Our NCAAF Pick for Saturday, August 31, 2024 (3:30 pm ET start time) is Texas 56 CSU 20.
Don't miss our champion handicappers free picks and expert football picks today. And if you enjoyed this Colorado State Rams Texas Longhorns prediction, be sure to drop by every day for our weekly NCAAF predictions and previews.

NCAAF Betting Trends


Colorado State Rams: 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games. 0-4 (-5.65 units) on the moneyline in their last 4 away games. 5-1 to the under in their last 6 games. 

Texas Longhorns: 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games. 12-2 (+9.95 units) on the moneyline in their last 14 games. 12-2 (+11.20 units) on the first half moneyline in their last 14 games. 

Key Injuries


Colorado State Rams:  None.

Texas Longhorns:  C. Clark (RB) - Achilles. C. Baxter (RB) - Knee.

Notable Quotes


“We’ve now got way more game experience now that we really like. We’re one of two Mountain West schools (the other being UNLV) with at least two offensive lineman – Jacob Gardner and Drew Moss – that have more than 2,000 career snaps.” - Jay Norvell on his team coming into this new college football season. 


"We're trying to develop those guys where they're at in the stage of their career. Behind the scenes, the development Arch has had from year one to year two has been tremendous, as well." - Steve Sarkisian on the development of his players coming into this season. 


Starting Lineups


Colorado State Rams
WR Ollie, Donovan
WR Horton, Tory 
WR Goffney, Dylan
TE Warren, Jaxxon 
QB Fowler-Nicolosi, Brayden
RB Marshall, Justin 

Texas Longhorns
WR Bond, Isaiah
WR Golden, Matthew
WR Bolden, Silas 
TE Helm, Gunnar 
QB Ewers, Quinn 
RB Baxter, CJ

Statistical Leaders


Colorado State Rams
Passing: N/A
Rushing: N/A
Receiving: N/A
Touchdowns: N/A

Texas Longhorns
Passing: N/A
Rushing: N/A
Receiving: N/A
Touchdowns: N/A

Coaches:
Colorado State Rams: Jay Norvell (3rd season)
Texas Longhorns: Steve Sarkisian (4th season)


Rod Pearson

About the Author:

Rod Pearson has been a rabid sports fan his entire life.  He grew up in Ontario, and was skilled in both hockey and baseball, and pitched in an elite baseball league for many years.  In 2022, Rod decided to hang up his glove, so that he could write about the sports he loves -- but from a gambling perspective.  Join Rod every day as he breaks down the games to find the best betting value.

All photographic images used for editorial content have been licensed from the Associated Press.

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