Colorado vs TCU Odds, Picks, and Predictions: Prime's Buffaloes Stay Within Number

One of the most anticipated matchups of Week 1 features the introduction of Coach Prime to the FBS. This non-conference (but soon-to-be in-conference) battle between the Colorado Buffaloes and the TCU Horned Frogs will go down on Saturday afternoon at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, TX. 

These two teams could not have had more opposite 2022 seasons — unless maybe TCU won the title. Colorado went 1-11 last season with a lone home win over Cal. TCU went 13-2, losing in the National Championship game to Georgia.

I analyze the college football odds and give my best bet and same-game parlay in our college football picks and predictions for Colorado vs. TCU below. 

Colorado vs TCU best odds

Colorado vs TCU picks and predictions

The Colorado Buffaloes have been the worst team in the Power 5 over the last few seasons, with only one winning year since 2005 (if you take away the shortened 2020 season in the Pac 12). However, things are expected to change soon with the hiring of Deion Sanders as head coach. He is bringing in a brand-new team with his arrival. 

Colorado is only returning one starter from their 2022 depth chart, and that is safety Trevor Woods, who was second on the team in tackles and led the team in pass deflections. The starting offensive line has two returning players that were backups last season, and the starting tight end was a redshirt last year. The rest of the two-deep depth chart is true freshmen and transfer players. 

Deion’s son, Shedeur Sanders, will lead the offense after transferring from Jackson State, where he threw for 3,752 yards and 40 touchdowns with only six interceptions last season. Alton McCaskill from Houston and Kavosiey Smoke from Kentucky will lead a backfield with plenty of experience. They also took the two leading receivers from USF last season to be the main targets for Sanders. 

On defense, you have true freshman Cormani McClain starting at cornerback. He was the fifth-best CB in the 2023 class according to On3 Recruiting. They also bring in Travis Hunter from Jackson State, who was the No. 1 recruit in the nation in 2022 and will be playing both cornerback and wide receiver. It could be a talented unit if they learn to coexist and play together. 

TCU has a lot of replacing to do from their stellar offense last year that averaged 38.8 points per game (ranked ninth nationally). They lost their starting quarterback, running back, and leading receiver along with three starting offensive linemen. They bring in Chandler Morris at QB, who has very limited work (108 total pass attempts) in the past three seasons. 

The Horned Frogs probably learned from their dominating defeat to Georgia last season and hit the transfer portal hard from the SEC. They brought in seven transfers from SEC schools that all will likely see some playing time this season. Most of the defense will be returning players from last year. 

It is very likely that TCU will see a little bit of a step down on offense, and their ability to rush the quarterback on defense may be limited after losing their two leaders in tackles for loss and sacks. Meanwhile, Colorado will have the talent to be competitive in major conference football and should be exciting to watch. 

I understand there is a lot of skepticism about Colorado with so many transfers and changes happening late in the process of the offseason. However, there is just so much talent on the roster, and TCU will certainly not have the offense they had last season. I like the Buffs to keep this game close. 

My best bet: Colorado +20.5 (-105 at FanDuel)

Colorado vs TCU same-game parlay

Colorado +20.5

Shedeur Sanders Over 245.5 passing yards

Xavier Weaver anytime TD

+441 at FanDuel

This is a game where you can get lots of props to throw into an SGP on FanDuel. Obviously, we will start with our best bet of Colorado against the spread. Then we will move to some player props. 

Sanders has a nice passing yard prop of 245.5 yards. Colorado will need to throw the ball to stay close and the talent of Sanders will shine here. He averaged over 288 passing yards per game in 2022 despite several blowouts on the winning side for Jackson State. 

South Florida transfer Xavier Weaver had six receiving touchdowns last season. He is the most likely WR to score in my opinion, and he has better odds than a few others on the team for anytime touchdown. 

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Colorado vs TCU spread and Over/Under analysis

TCU allowed 29 points per game last season, which ranked 91st nationally. They will need to replace 19.5 tackles for loss and 18.0 sacks from that roster. Colorado will be able to score with all of their talent, and unless they just completely collapse on defense, they should be able to cover easily. 

The total is set pretty high at 63.5 points. However, I clearly believe that Colorado will be able to score at least in the mid-20s. I also believe this will be a close game that will come down to the final few possessions. This means TCU should also score at least in the mid-20s. 

I would lean towards the Over because it is most likely to me that both teams reach 30 points. TCU will definitely not be as talented on offense as they were last year, but they will still be able to move the ball against a newly put together defense. 

Colorado vs TCU betting trend to know

TCU has hit the Over in nine of its last 14 games. Find more college football betting trends for Colorado vs TCU.

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