Colorado Buffaloes vs Baylor Bears prediction: Baylor wins, betting pick is Pass
Baylor will beat Colorado 31-24, with its expected personnel returns and ability to generate takeaways supplying the strongest matchup advantage. Colorado's consistent rushing production and Baylor's own giveaways should keep the Buffaloes competitive. Neither Baylor -9.5 (-110) nor the 55.5 total offers a convincing betting edge at the supplied prices. The official SportsJaw betting recommendation is Pass, with low confidence in the game forecast.
Colorado Buffaloes vs Baylor Bears prediction and best bet
Baylor is the pick to win this Big 12 opener, but covering 9.5 points is a tougher assignment. The Bears expect DJ Lagway and three other contributors back, while their six takeaways through three games present a threat to a Colorado offense coming off four turnovers at Northwestern.
The counterweight is Colorado's running game. The Buffaloes have reached 180 rushing yards in every game, and their 411 total yards per game suggest more offensive potential than last week's seven points. Baylor also has seven giveaways of its own. Those competing signals point toward Baylor 31, Colorado 24, with enough uncertainty to pass on both the spread and total. There is no official wager.
Odds, game time and how to watch
Game: Colorado Buffaloes at Baylor Bears, 2026 college football Big 12 opener.
Kickoff: Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 11 a.m. CT, equivalent to 10 a.m. MT.
Venue and television: McLane Stadium, Waco, Texas; ESPN2.
Records: Colorado Buffaloes 2-1; Baylor Bears 1-1.
Quarterback update: Baylor expects DJ Lagway back from a sprained right ankle.