Pac-12 Predictions: Week 2 picks against the spread

Nov 29, 2014; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Nelson Spruce (22) carries for a touchdown reception against Utah Utes defensive back Brian Blechen (4) in the third quarter at Folsom Field. The Utes defeated the Buffaloes 38-34. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Massachusetts Minutemen At Colorado Buffaloes

Boulder, Colorado

The Line: Colorado -14

While I expect no one outside of a few diehard Buffaloes fans will be watching this one(indeed, it is on Pac-12 Network but only in select markets at 11:00AM Saturday), it could be interesting. Umass ended 2014 by winning 3 of their last five after dropping the first six, including a heartbreaking 41-38 loss at home to these same Colorado Buffaloes. That was a major step up from the one win the program had in 2013. This is a team on the rise, and while Colorado should still win, it will not be as easy as people think. After all, this is a Buffaloes squad that just lost to Hawaii.

Keys To The Game:

Not much is known about the 2015 Minutemen, as this game is their season opener. In last year’s game, Nelson Spruce and Sefo Liufau connected 10 times for 145 yards and two touchdowns. Cleary Umass will be looking to minimize the damage this time around.

The Colorado running game was ineffective in 2014, averaging just 3.3 yards per carry. So it will be almost entirely up to Spruce and Liufau to take over. On the other side, the Minutemen will also rely on their passing game, with Blake Frohnapfel hoping to lead the team to an upset win.

Prediction:

Only 14 points for a power five team against Umass should hopefully motivate the Buffaloes to give their best effort. This was the year that Colorado was supposed to emerge from the black hole they fell into following a run of respectability under the nefarious regime of Gary Barnett.

However, an opening weekend loss to the Hawaii Warriors has left this program once again looking into the mirror. I expect them to bounce back, with a big day from the Colorado offense leading the team to a 45-24 win, beating the spread.

Next: San Diego State At California