Colorado vs. Oregon picks, predictions: Week 4 college football odds, lines

This weekend brings us a huge conference clash out in the Pac-12 between a pair of ranked teams, one expected to be here and one shocking the world so far through three games as No. 10 Oregon welcomes No. 19 Colorado in college football’s Week 4 action on Saturday.

Colorado has well outpaced preseason expectations, marching out to a 3-0 record behind some top-flight skill players, led by quarterback Shedeur Sanders, already to 1,251 passing yards with 10 touchdowns and one interception. But the Buffaloes will be without star two-way player Travis Hunter for this game, and likely two others, as he recovers from an injury.

Oregon should be the toughest test Colorado faces to date, boasting a productive offense full of agile skill threats, led by quarterback Bo Nix, good for 77 percent of his passes with 8 touchdowns and no interceptions, aided by a rushing attack good for 7.2 yards per touch with 11 touchdowns so far.

What do the experts think of the matchup? Let’s see how the College Football Power Index computer prediction model projects the game.

Colorado vs. Oregon picks, predictions

Colorado vs. Oregon picks , predictions USA Today Images

Oregon odds: Despite the hype coming in, the computers are leaning heavily on the Ducks, who are projected to win the game outright based on 93.8 percent of the 20,000 simulations the index runs through to pick winners.

Colorado odds: Conversely, that leaves the Buffaloes as the projected winner in just 6.2 percent of those simulations.

Point spread: Oddsmakers are likewise skeptical of the Buffaloes, who come into the game as 20.5 point underdogs against Oregon, according to the lines at SI Sportsbook.

Total: 70.5 points (Over -111, Under -111)

Moneyline: Oregon -1613, Colorado +700

Oregon predictions: Fresh off a big win over Hawai’i, the Ducks moved up 3 spots on the index’s 133 football rankings, projected to be 21.1 points better than an average opponent, estimated to win 10.3 games, and with a 23.8 percent chance to make the College Football Playoff.

Colorado predictions: Down 6 spots on the index’s rankings despite the win over Colorado State, the Buffaloes slid owing to a projected per game scoring margin of 0.4 points against an average opponent, projected to win 6.1 games and lose 5.9.

Colorado vs. Oregon schedule

When: Sat., Sept. 23

Where: Eugene, Ore.

Time: 1:30 p.m. MT, 12:30 p.m. PT

TV: ABC network

Stream live: fuboTV (Try for free)

Want to bet on Colorado vs. Oregon? Here’s how

Join FanDuel here to claim $200 worth of bonus bets after wagering just $5 on any game, including Colorado vs. Oregon.

Claim $200 in Bonus Bets instantly when you Bet $5 with DraftKings as the Ducks and Buffaloes square off.

Get $200 in Bonus Bets with Bet365 here when you Bet Just $1 on any college football game.

Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets with Points Bet right here.

Or get $1,500 paid back in bonus bets from BetMGM if you don’t win.

College Football Power Index

Football Power Index (FPI) college football rankings and computer prediction model are a measure of team strength that predicts a team’s future performance.

Rankings and scores predictions are based on 20,000 simulations of a team’s season and games, using a combination of key analytics, including scores to date, quality of opponents, team talent, recruiting, and a team’s schedule.

College football rankings

A closer look at the AP top 25

First-place votes in parentheses

1. Washington
2. Notre Dame
3. Oregon
4. Utah
5. Duke
6. Colorado
7. Miami
8. Washington State
9. UCLA
10. Tennessee
11. Iowa
12. Florida

More college football from SI: Top 25 Rankings | Schedule | Teams

Follow College Football HQ: Bookmark | Rankings | Picks