Braden Atkinson and Jesse Legree have been remarkably consistent together. Atkinson has thrown for at least 300 yards in each of Oregon State’s first four games, while Legree has cleared 100 receiving yards every time. A quarterback-receiver partnership that productive would interest me against most opponents. Colorado State’s defense makes the assignment particularly appealing after allowing UTSA to pile up 542 yards and 59 points in their last game. Below is my preview, prediction, and pick for today’s college football game between the Colorado State Rams and the Oregon State Beavers.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
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Colorado State vs. Oregon State prediction, preview
The Beavers should have time to develop that passing attack. Oregon State have allowed no sacks in two consecutive games, including their 33-7 win at UTEP, and Colorado State have collected only six sacks all season. Half of those came against an FCS opponent. Atkinson will still have to identify pressure correctly, but the recent protection makes it reasonable to expect him to complete his reads and find Legree beyond the first layer of coverage.
The Beavers’ 2-2 record understates how consistently this offense has exceeded expectations; they have covered all four games. Legree has contributed every week, and although Colorado State can shade coverage his way, Atkinson’s protection gives him time to look elsewhere. I’d expect the Rams to make him do that early. Their pass rush will have to arrive eventually, though, or the extra defender assigned to Legree could spend a long afternoon waiting for Atkinson to choose another receiver.
The Rams have gone over in all four games and covered three of them, so their defense has been poor enough to send their games over even while they cover. Homecoming and their first Pac-12 conference game should provide plenty of energy in Fort Collins. Oregon State are also traveling again after the UTEP trip. I expect some resistance early, particularly if Colorado State complete a few aggressive throws and force the Beavers to answer promptly.
Oregon State vs. Colorado State pick, best bet
Colorado State can keep this interesting with offense of their own. K’saan Farrar threw for 344 yards and two touchdowns against UTSA, a productive passing performance amid an otherwise ugly result. Hauss Hejny’s questionable status leaves some uncertainty at quarterback, but Farrar has demonstrated that the Rams can move the ball if called upon. Oregon State should have to defend meaningful possessions well into the second half. I have Colorado State scoring 28, which rules out an easy defensive afternoon for the visitors.
I have Oregon State winning 38-28, with Atkinson continuing to find receivers against a pass rush that has done little to disturb opposing quarterbacks. Colorado State’s ability to answer keeps me from projecting a runaway and makes -6.5 an important distinction from laying a full touchdown. The total has already risen considerably; I’ll back the Beavers’ passing advantage on the spread. Farrar may make us wait through a few Rams scoring drives, but Oregon State have the stronger protection and the more dependable passing offense.
Best bet: Oregon State -6.5 (-112)
Projected score: Oregon State 38, Colorado State 28
Best Bet: Oregon State -6.5 (-110) at Colorado State
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