Whatever happened to Colorado and Coach Prime? It's as if they've faded into obscurity. But then again, they have. The Buffaloes have dropped five straight and come into this matchup at 2-5. However, let's put that record into context. Colorado has faced four presently ranked opponents during this stretch, including Northwestern, Texas Tech, Utah, and Oklahoma State, with two of those assignments coming on the road. That's an absolutely brutal schedule and the Buffs have paid the price. But the market sees the losing streak and the 57-point blunting Colorado suffered most recently without considering that Kansas State's visit to Boulder might actually represent an opportunity for CU to catch its breath.
The Wildcats are 4-3, which looks considerably more digestible, but they haven't won on the road themselves. They've also faced a far more negotiable schedule, with Houston representing their only ranked opponent. Kansas, Arizona State and Washington State are considerably easier assignments than #5 Utah, which even received a first-place vote, a Texas Tech team ranked inside the Top 10 before this weekend, and a Northwestern outfit sitting inside the Top 20 with its only defeat coming against Indiana. Colorado's record is ugly, but the quality of opposition explains plenty. I think that experience pays dividends here, and the Buffs finally get a much-needed victory.
Kansas State Wildcats vs Colorado Buffaloes prediction: Colorado +120 (ML) available at time of publishing. Playable to +110.
