HARRY BONDI
College Football Free Pick
COLORADO STATE (+3) over Colorado
9 p.m. ET
Yes, the Rams have lost some key members of last year’s 8-6 team, including the nation’s leading rusher, and Colorado should be much improved this season. But, having said that, there’s no way the Buffs should be a three-point favorite here. Despite a 41-27 loss in this rivalry game in last year’s opener, the Rams were the better team overall in 2013 and if this game was played in December of last season they would have been at least a field goal favorite. Colorado has been installed in the unfamiliar role as the chalk marking just the fifth time in its last 40 games it has had to lay points. Colorado State has the better defense and is catching a field goal. Take the points.