Stanford at Colorado line, prediction, odds: Can Buffaloes get a Friday conference win?

When the Stanford Cardinal travel to meet with the Colorado Buffaloes on Friday for a Pac-12 bout, the game will feature two teams in the bottom half of the conference. Coach Prime’s Buffaloes will open as double-digit favorites at home.

Say what you want about Coach Prime, but there’s no disputing the fact that Colorado already has four wins halfway through this season after the Buffaloes were 1-11 last year. Of course, the players deserve credit, too — Shedeur Sanders is leading all of FBS in passing yards (2,020), and Xavier Weaver is producing like one of the best wide receivers in the Pac-12 despite the well-documented struggles of the offensive line.

Pass protection might not be as big of an issue as in previous weeks, considering the Buffaloes’ opponent, Stanford, has accumulated just eight sacks across five games this season. The Cardinal are allowing a conference-high 34.6 points per game.

Colorado wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter has a chance to return in this game. He hasn’t played since suffering a lacerated liver Week 3 against Colorado State.

Stanford might’ve emphasized similar points about its opponent this week in the lead-up to gameday — something along the lines of “exploit this bad defense.” For as much as the Cardinal’s defense is struggling, Colorado’s has as well, allowing 34.2 points per game. With two underperforming defenses on the field, the over might be something bettors consider.

What is the spread for Stanford at Colorado?

Expert picks against the spread

How to watch and stream Stanford at Colorado

Opening kickoff for Stanford-Colorado is set for 10 p.m. ET on Friday at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo. The game will air on ESPN and can be streamed on the ESPN app.