DJ Giddens and the No. 18 Kansas State Wildcats travel to Boulder to take on Heisman hopeful Travis Hunter and the Colorado Buffaloes. The total for this game started at 49.5 and has increased to 55.5 on Friday morning.

Since losing to Nebraska in Week 2, Deion Sanders’ team has rattled off three straight wins, most recently with a 48-21 win over UCF two weeks ago. Meanwhile, Kansas State is tied with Indiana and Oklahoma at No. 18 in the AP Poll, the first time since 1998 that three or more teams share a spot in the poll.

A win for both teams will make the path to the Big 12 Championship Game much easier. You can catch all the action at 10:15 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Odds are current as of publication, courtesy of ESPN BET

The lines

Spread: Kansas State (-3.5)
Money line: Kansas State (-165), Colorado (+140)
Over/under: 55.5 (-115/-105)

Distribution in the first half: Kansas State -2.5 (-115), Colorado +2.5 (-105)
First half moneyline: Kansas State (-160), Colorado (+125)
First half total points: O/U 24.5 points (-175/+135)

Pamela Maldonado’s choice: Kansas State at Colorado +3.5

Colorado +5.5 was my first bet on Monday, since then the line has moved to +3.5. Despite this shift, I’m sticking with Colorado and believe they can win clearly (+180).

Shedeur Sanders and the Buffs’ receivers are ready to take advantage of Kansas State’s secondary. Sanders’ ability to make throws under pressure will test the Wildcats’ defense. He ranks 10th in total passing yards (1,630), 14th in completion percentage (70.1%) and is fifth in most passing touchdowns with 14, despite being the third most sacked quarterback of the country is (17).

Sanders’ success is due in part to a strong receiving corps led by Heisman candidate Travis Hunter, who had 46 receptions for 561 yards and six touchdowns in five games. Kansas State’s front seven is a weakness, ranking 127th according to PFF, which could give Sanders more time to find open receivers. Additionally, K-State has one of the worst secondaries in the country and ranks 115th in passing yards allowed.

Meanwhile, Colorado’s defense has shown significant improvements compared to the 2023 season. They forced four turnovers in Week 5 and slowed UCF’s nation-leading rushing offense. The Buffs’ defense has forced nine turnovers in the last three games and hasn’t allowed more than seven points in the second half all season, making them the fourth-best team in the FBS.

Colorado’s loss to Nebraska in Week 3 sparked a turnaround for the team. They showed resilience in the second half, which carried over into the games that followed. The Buffaloes have outscored their opponents 124-61 in the 14 quarters since halftime of the Nebraska game. Their improved defense, offensive skills and growing confidence make them a strong surprise pick against Kansas State.

Betting trends

Courtesy of ESPN Research

• Kansas State is the road favorite at 0-5 ATS since the start of last season.

• Colorado is 3-0 ATS as an underdog at home under Deion Sanders.

• Colorado is 6-1 ATS in its last seven conference games and has been an underdog in six of those seven.

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