Colorado State had to battle for nearly every one of its wins in 2024.
After starting the season 1-2 overall, including a 52-0 season-opening loss at Texas, seven of the Rams’ next nine games were decided by 14 points or fewer. But they ended up going 6-1 in Mountain West play and also nearly won at Oregon State, losing 39-31 in double overtime. If it weren’t for a 28-22 loss at Fresno State, Colorado State would’ve been playing in the Mountain West Championship.
CSU hopes to earn a spot in that title game this season. But first, the Rams must kick off the year against a top-notch FBS program.
Colorado State vs. Washington Betting Odds
Washington is a -21.5 college football betting odds favorite against Colorado State, with the Over/Under being 53.5.
The moneyline for Colorado State is +1000, while it’s -2000 for Washington.
Colorado State vs. Washington On TV
The matchup between Colorado State and Washington will be televised on the Big Ten Network.
The game will kick off at 11 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 30. The contest is taking place at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington.
Colorado State vs. Washington Prediction
I predict Washington will win but Colorado State will cover the 21.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 53.5 total points.
Colorado State is missing some of its stars from last season, including wide receiver Tory Horton, who is now in the NFL.
But the Rams return some solid players as well, and quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi is among them. After making the All-Mountain West honorable mention list in 2023, he threw for 2,796 yards, 14 touchdowns, and nine interceptions on a 61% completion rate in 2024. He also ran for 75 yards and four TDs.
Justin Marshall is back for CSU after running for 746 yards and four TDs. After ranking third on the team with 153 yards and a score on the ground, Jalen Dupree is also returning. Wide receivers Armani Winfield (38 catches for 341 yards and two TDs in 2024) and Jordan Ross (15 catches for 218 yards and a score) are back as well.
Aaron Karas will look to lead CSU’s offensive line again after making the all-conference honorable mention list in 2024 while playing right tackle. But Colorado State’s defense, which ranked fifth in the Mountain West with 23.92 points per game allowed last year, lost their top six tacklers from a season ago.
So while Washington may be capable of scoring enough in this contest to win, I think the Rams will put up some points of their own and won’t lose by more than two touchdowns.
