The #25 BYU Cougars head to Boulder on Saturday night to face the Colorado Buffaloes in a Big 12 matchup that feels like two teams headed in different directions. BYU has climbed into the Top 25 behind its steady, no-nonsense style of play, while Colorado is still searching for answers after an uneven start.

The Buffaloes do retain quarterback Kaidon Salter in charge, after a stellar performance last week, which adds some juice to their offense, but he’ll have his hands full against a Cougars defense that thrives on discipline and pressure. It’s a contrast in styles: BYU wants to grind, control the clock, and wear opponents down, while Colorado needs to create explosive plays to stay in it.

Let’s dive into the latest #25 BYU vs. Colorado predictions, betting picks, and odds for Saturday night under the lights at Folsom Field.

 

 

 

#25 BYU vs. Colorado Predictions For College Football Week 5, Saturday, 9/27

BYU isn’t flashy, but they’re built to win games like this. The Cougars bring a physical front seven that rarely gives up cheap rushing yards, and when they put teams in third-and-long, their pass rush tends to take over. That’s going to test a Colorado offensive line that has struggled to keep Salter comfortable in the pocket.

Offensively, BYU is powered by L.J. Martin, who’s quickly becoming one of the more reliable backs in the Big 12. He’s the kind of runner who doesn’t need big holes to get production, and he wears down defenses over four quarters. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier complements him well, rarely forcing throws and taking what defenses give him. The result is a balanced attack that stays on schedule.

Colorado, on the other hand, needs Salter to be dynamic. His ability to extend plays and make something out of nothing gives the Buffaloes a fighting chance. But BYU’s defense doesn’t bite on improvisation as much as other units — they’re disciplined and well-coached. If Salter can’t consistently hit chunk plays, Colorado could be in for a long night.

This one feels like it’ll come down to whether BYU can impose its style or if Colorado can spark enough explosive moments to keep things interesting.

#25 BYU vs. Colorado Spread Pick & Best Bet: BYU -6.5

The line has settled at BYU -6.5 after it opened at -4.5, and that feels about right given what we’ve seen from both teams. Colorado has talent, and Salter gives them a bit of unpredictability, but BYU’s physicality and balance are hard to match. The Cougars should be able to control time of possession, shorten the game, and make things difficult for Colorado’s defense.

If you’re backing Colorado, you’re essentially betting that they’ll hit just enough splash plays to steal momentum. That’s possible — especially at home — but BYU’s consistency makes them the safer play.

 

 

 

How To Watch #25 BYU vs. Colorado College Football Week 5

  • Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
  • Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. MT (10:15 p.m. ET)
  • Location: Folsom Field, Boulder, CO
  • TV: ESPN
  • Streaming: ESPN app / providers with ESPN access

This is one of the marquee late-night games in Week 5, and Boulder’s atmosphere should be electric with a ranked opponent in town.

#25 BYU vs. Colorado Odds, Spread, Total & Betting Lines

  • Spread: BYU -6.5 | Colorado +6.5
  • Moneyline: BYU -250 | Colorado +200
  • Over/Under: 49.5 points

The total sitting under 50 tells you oddsmakers don’t expect a shootout. It reflects faith in BYU’s defense to control the pace, with questions about whether Colorado can score consistently against them.

 

 

 

#25 BYU vs. Colorado Injury Report & Latest News

BYU notes:

  • The Cougars are relatively healthy entering Week 5, which is a big reason they’ve been so steady. Their defensive front rotates well, keeping legs fresh into the fourth quarter.
  • A couple of players in the secondary have been dinged up earlier this year, but no major absences are expected Saturday.

Colorado notes:

  • Kaidon Salter remains the X-factor. He’s back in the starting role and needs to find his rhythm quickly against one of the toughest defenses he’s seen so far.
  • The offensive line is a real concern. If they can’t buy Salter enough time, it could be another frustrating night for the Buffaloes.
  • Defensively, Colorado must sell out to stop the run. If they don’t slow L.J. Martin, it’ll be tough to keep BYU off schedule.

How To Bet on #25 BYU vs. Colorado at FanDuel & Claim Your $300 Bonus

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