In a recent list from 247Sports’ Grant Hughes, two teams from the Big 12 Conference were mentioned as teams to watch in Week One on the upset radar.
The two teams, West Virginia and Colorado, are listed in two different ways as underdogs and favorites in danger of losing their Week One matchup.
Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes were the first Big 12 team mentioned by Hughes as a team in danger of losing their opening game. The Buffaloes are listed as 9.5-point favorites over the North Dakota State Bison, which has quickly become a popular upset pick for those in the sports betting community.
“North Dakota State is an FCS powerhouse and has clinched seven victories against Power Five opponents since the 2010 season, including a win over No. 13 Iowa in 2016,” Hughes said. “The Bison finished 11-4 in 2023 and are projected to be one of the FCS’ top teams again this season after returning star quarterback Cam Miler for his senior year. Colorado lost 41 players to the transfer portal, including star running back Dylan Edwards, after a disappointing 4-8 finish. Deion Sanders and Co. boosted the team’s talent profile with 43 new transfers, but there are many pieces to fit together before facing a well-coached, veteran North Dakota State team in Week 1. We still think the Buffaloes get it done underneath the lights in a hostile environment at Folsom Field, but don’t be surprised if the Bison give them a handful.”
Following the Buffaloes are the West Virginia Mountaineers, who earned praise in a significantly different spot than Colorado. The Mountaineers are receiving 8.5 points as a home underdog to Penn State in Morgantown.
“Penn State opened as a double-digit favorite, but oddsmakers have lost some confidence in the Nittany Lions in recent weeks,” Hughes said. “West Virginia allowed just 170.6 passing yards per game at home last season, which ranked No. 13 nationally. Penn State’s passing offense hindered the team at times last season, and the only member of this spring roster with 1,000 career receiving yards — KeAndre Lambert-Smith — transferred out before fall camp. On offense, the Mountaineers return quarterback Garrett Greene and a stacked backfield that ranked No. 4 nationally in rushing yards last season. Penn State beat West Virginia 38-15 at home last season and is expected to have a better team in 2024, but this game is no gimme for the Nittany Lions.”
Both teams will have an opportunity to knock off a top team or take care of business as the favorite, with the 2024 college football season just one week away.
