Predictions: No. 16 Oregon State Beavers @ Colorado Buffaloes

By 750 THE GAME STAFF

Each week our staff at 750 The Game and fellow Pac-12 experts predict the score of every Oregon State Beavers game. This week the Oregon State Beavers (6-2) travel to Boulder to take on the Colorado Buffaloes (4-4). The Vegas line has Oregon State -13 1/2.

John Canzano:

The Beavers won’t have any problem scoing 30+ points this week. Colorado managed only 25 rushing yards in last week’s loss to UCLA and struggled to protect the quarterback. Colorado just isn’t deep enough or physical enough to stay on the field with Oregon State.

Oregon State 34, Colorado 17

Jon Wilner:

This matchup has lost luster following OSU’s loss at Arizona and with Colorado’s October demise, but it carries the potential to be one of the most entertaining games of the week. The stakes are considerable for both: The Beavers must win to maintain a path to the Pac-12 title game while CU needs a victory to make its bowl math manageable. We’re intrigued by the contrast in styles with the run-heavy Beavers facing the pass-happy Buffaloes. The advantage at the line of scrimmage tilts significantly in OSU’s direction, but at some point during the evening, quarterback DJ Uiagalelei must produce big plays from the pocket.

Pick: Colorado +13 1/2

T.J. Mathewson:

Colorado’s been a lot tougher in conference play than their record makes them out to be. I wouldn’t be totally shocked if this game is within a score in the second half with Colorado’s talented skill players making “WOW” play or two. However, the mismatch in the trenches on both sides of the ball, arguably the biggest so far in Oregon State’s season (sans UC Davis) should leave you feeling pretty confident in the Beavers taking control of this game in the second half. Final Note: A run-heavy approach should keep the ball away from two-way star Travis Hunter, who snagged two interceptions in the first half vs. UCLA.

Oregon State 45, Colorado 24

Steven Vaughan:

I have been on the Colorado train for most of the season. But the ride appears to be over. The offense can’t keep Shedeur Sanders upright. The defense can’t stop anybody. Oregon State should be able to out physical the Buffaloes up and down the field. But for the first time. I have a little bit of doubt about Jonathan Smith. After his decisions last week against Arizona. I do think Boulder is a tough place to play. Oregon State has struggled on the road. Colorado covers and has a chance to win.

Oregon State 35, Colorado 28

Judah Newby:

Pat Shurmur calling plays for the Buffs? Sounds like Coach Prime is fed up with Sean Lewis. I think that positively impacts the Buffaloes pass protection and run game. The Beavers need to be relentless with their own ground attack and get Damien Martinez over 100 yards rushing for the first time in conference play. I think they do, and Oregon State gets back on track in Boulder.

Oregon State 41, Colorado 27