Deion Sanders is once again in the spotlight, but this time for less favorable reasons as his Colorado Buffaloes struggle on the field. After a promising season that saw the team secure nine regular-season victories and produce last year’s Heisman Trophy winner, the Buffaloes have fallen into disarray. They’ve allowed at least 50 points in back-to-back games and are at risk of missing out on bowl game eligibility.
In response to these struggles, Sanders has opted for a change at quarterback, turning to true freshman Julian Lewis. The highly touted pocket passer from Georgia, ranked third in the 2025 class, is expected to breathe new life into a team that is in dire need of rejuvenation.
This Saturday, Colorado will face off against West Virginia as a 6.5-point underdog. The Mountaineers, similarly navigating their own issues, will feature fresh talent at quarterback as well. Scotty Fox Jr., who took over the starting role midseason, is set to make his fourth career start after leading his team to victory last week against Houston.
West Virginia’s defense played a pivotal role in that win, forcing four turnovers and supporting Fox, who accounted for three touchdowns despite modest individual statistics. With Colorado grappling with defensive inefficiencies, West Virginia’s head coach, Rich Rodriguez, is likely eager to exploit the Buffaloes’ vulnerabilities with his dual-threat quarterback.
The mounting pressure on the Buffaloes, who’ve lost their last two games by an astonishing total of 81 points, puts them in a precarious position. As teams often struggle to navigate the transition from underdog to favorite, Rodriguez faces a critical decision moving forward. Despite their troubles, and the inclination to bet against the Buffaloes, the likelihood of generating points is promising, considering Colorado’s 83rd ranking in defensive efficiency.
Sports analyst Doug Kezirian expresses confidence in the offensive capabilities of both teams and points to the potential for a high-scoring game. He proposes taking the Over 53.5 points as a solid betting option based on historical performance and recent shifts in team dynamics.
With a strong background in sports betting, including notable successes in major competitions, Kezirian’s insights offer a comprehensive look at what to expect from this matchup as both teams continue to seek a turnaround in their respective seasons.