Predictions: Oregon Ducks vs. 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 Ducks game. This week No. 10 Oregon (3-0) takes on No. 19 Colorado (3-0) at Autzen Stadium where the Ducks are 21-point favorites over the Buffaloes. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. on FOX.

Here are the picks from the experts:

John Canzano:

Colorado is a great story. The Buffaloes have drawn in peripheral sports fans, but the next two weeks will reveal some flaws. CU doesn’t have depth. The defense struggles to stop the run. Colorado just won’t be able to match Oregon, drive for drive. This game amounts to the biggest opportunity of Lanning’s brief tenure.

Oregon 49, Colorado 24

Jon Wilner:

Notably, the Ducks were 17-point favorites early Sunday morning, with the line jumping to 21.5 by Monday afternoon. (Some sports books are currently offering 21.) Clearly, the public wasn’t impressed with CU’s narrow home escape against Colorado State, and for good reason: The Rams are a mid-level Mountain West team, while Oregon is one of the best teams in arguably the toughest conference in the land. We don’t foresee a tight finish, but that’s a few too many points given Shedeur Sanders’ playmaking skills. The Over, on the other hand, looks enticing.

Pick: Colorado +21

Spencer McLaughlin:

Shedeur Sanders threw his first interception of the year last week against Colorado State on a ball that was, at one point, in his receiver’s hands. His decision-making is excellent week after week. The Ducks shouldn’t expect to be able to force 4 turnovers like they did against Tyler Shough down in Lubbock. A turnover or two could really help swing the score in Oregon’s favor. But I think their success defensively will depend on their ability to cover Colorado’s WRs straight up and tackle in space.

Oregon 48, Colorado 27

Steven Vaughan:

I have been on the Colorado train all season long. I love what Deion Sanders is doing. Nobody expected them to be 3-0 right now. The offense is great led by Sheduer Sanders. But can they block the Ducks? If the line holds up enough and Sean Lewis can draw up a gameplan that gets the ball out of Sanders hand quick. Colorado will be able to score. Colorado won’t win. But they keep it close and cover the number.

Oregon 42, Colorado 31

Judah Newby:

If Shedeur Sanders stays healthy through the game, Colorado will cover the number. Their passing game is too strong to be getting over three touchdowns. Oregon’s pass rush will tilt the game in the Ducks’ favor, and it’s a strong victory for Dan Lanning’s program.

Oregon 50, Colorado 31