Pac-12 Predictions: Picks every game against the spread for Week 3

Sep 12, 2015; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes running back Christian Powell (46) runs for a thirty five yard touchdown in the third quarter against the Massachusetts Minutemen at Folsom Field. The Buffaloes defeated the Minutemen 48-14. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Colorado Buffaloes At Colorado State Rams

Denver, Colorado

The Line: Colorado +1

The Buffaloes had a nice win in week 2, beating up the UMass Minutemen in another paycheck game for a lesser school. The Rams, however, were disappointed in losing a close one to the Minnesota Golden Gophers, 23-20, in overtime. Catch this exhilarating contest on CBS Sports Network, 3:00 PM, pacific time, on Saturday.

Keys To The Game:

Colorado State loves to run the ball, befitting of a team name the Rams. Colorado, meanwhile, cannot stop the run. This makes for an interesting match-up and the biggest key to the game. The Buffaloes will not be able to shut down the Rams running game, but they must at least contain it enough to get their defense off the field.

UMass ran for 5.1 yards per carry against Colorado in week 2, while the Rams had 4.2 yards per carry against a good Minnesota defense. On offense, the Buffaloes should be able to have their way with Colorado State, either through the air or on the ground. Colorado State’s defense has been solid, but unspectacular so far this year.

The Prediction:

This is a rivalry game, and it could go a long way toward determining the kind of season that Colorado has in store for their fans. A loss here, and the program gets knocked back down just as they were finally standing again on their own.

However, a win and suddenly a bowl birth for the Buffaloes does not seem that far-fetched at 2-1 going into conference play. In the end, I think the Rams just want this one more, and they run the ball down the throats of the defense en-route to a close win. The final score? Colorado 24, Colorado State 27.

Next: California At Texas