Colorado vs. Oregon State Prediction, Game Preview

The Colorado Buffaloes (3-4) and the Oregon State Beavers (2-4) will be looking for their first Pac-12 win when they meet this weekend in Corvallis. Check out the Colorado vs. Oregon State prediction and game preview.

Colorado vs. Oregon State Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 24
Game Time: 10:30 ET
Network: Pac-12 Networks

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Why You Need To Care

When Colorado and Oregon State meet at Reser Stadium Saturday night, both will be looking for their first Pac-12 win of the year—and an end to three-game losing streaks. The Buffaloes have been the more competitive of the struggling programs, but a blown fourth-quarter lead to Arizona led to a 14 straight league loss. The Beavers, meanwhile, are in full-fledged rebuilding mode for rookie head coach Gary Andersen, unable to compete against better opponents.

Why Colorado Will Win

Offense, defense, special teams … absolutely nothing is going well for Oregon State, which has allowed 138 points over the last three games. The Colorado attack has enjoyed a steady burn in 2015, getting contributions from a diverse ground game and the passing of Sefo Liufau. Liufau doesn’t figure to feel much pressure from a fading Beaver D with only eight sacks.

Why Oregon State Will Win

Finally, an opponent with a skill set similar to their own. The Beavers are in Corvallis and facing an opponent that’s 4-36 all-time in Pac-12 games. They should be able to establish a productive ground game, with shifty QB Seth Collins and RB Storm Barrs-Woods going against a Colorado defense allowing more than five yards a carry.

Player Who Matters

Oregon State has had a quiet pass rush, but Colorado has been suspect in pass protection, allowing 19 sacks through seven games. What gives? Since the Beaver linemen have been unable to mount consistent pressure, the staff might be inclined to turn loose its athletic linebackers, Rommel Mageo from the inside and Caleb Saulo from weakside.

What’s Going To Happen?

There’ll be an unmistakable waft of desperation in the air this weekend, as both teams grasp for a streak-buster. While Oregon State is playing like the Pac-12 bottom-feeder, it’ll summon the energy and the ground game to hold off Colorado in front of the home crowd. Plus, facing a manageable offense for the first time in a month, the Beaver D will flash hints of its potential.