Colorado Buffaloes vs Northwestern Wildcats Prediction, 9/19/2026 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Colorado Buffaloes vs Northwestern Wildcats

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026

Location: Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium in Evanston, IL

TV: ESPN+

Odds/Point Spread: Wildcats (-4.5)

Total/Over-Under: 48

The Colorado Buffaloes (2-0) are headed to Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium on Saturday, September 19, 2026 where they will attempt to defeat the Northwestern Wildcats (1-0). Colorado opens this game as 4.5-point underdogs. The total comes in at 48.

The Colorado Buffaloes step onto the field holding a record of 2-0 for this season. In their last game, the Buffaloes took the field against the Weber State Wildcats and notched a win by a score of 52-21. On the ground, the Buffaloes gave up 122 yards on 29 attempts, which is 4.2 yds per rush allowed. Colorado allowed 22 completions on 52 tries for a total of 250 yards, and a completion rate of 42.3%. When all was said and done, they tallied 73 plays which gave them a total of 578 yards. The Colorado Buffaloes ended up running the ball 38 different times and had 180 yards, earning them an average of 4.7 yds per attempt.

The Buffaloes have earned 885 total yards this season. In terms of getting the ball in the endzone, Colorado has amassed 5 passing touchdowns and 4 touchdowns on the ground. They have turned the football over 2 times. Colorado has accumulated 45 first downs as an offense, and they have been flagged for 19 penalties for 167 yds. As a unit they're maintaining an average of 181.5 yards via the ground game ranking this team at 61st in the nation. When it comes to getting in the endzone, the Colorado Buffaloes hold an average of 33.0 PPG.

When talking about passing yards, the Buffaloes have allowed 487 yds which has them sitting in 103rd in the nation. They have allowed 243.5 yards per contest through the air and giving up a completion percentage of 51.3%. Over the course of this year, they are surrendering 330.0 yards per contest ranking them 75th in college football. They have given up 3 touchdowns through the air in addition to no TD's via the ground game. They are allowing teams to run for an average of 2.9 yards per running attempt and 86.5 rushing yards per game so far this season. Overall, they have conceded 173 yards via the ground game in 2 games. The Buffaloes are ranked 51st in Division 1 when it comes to their opponents scoring, allowing 17.0 points per contest.

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The Wildcats come into this game with a record of 1-0 for this season. In their last game, the Wildcats walked away with a victory by a final of 34-18 against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. The Wildcats finished the game with a total of 497 yards while they ran 55 plays (9.0 yds per play). Northwestern ended up running for 7.2 yards per tote, finishing with 224 yards on 31 carries. Northwestern gave up 40 rush attempts for 147 yds (3.7 yards per rush). The Wildcats pass defense allowed a completion percentage of 47.9%, surrendering 285 yards on 23 for 48 passing.

The Northwestern Wildcats average 497.0 yards per outing, which is good for 26th in D-1. The Northwestern offense has racked up 61 yards of penalties on 9 violations, which ranks 113th in the nation in terms of making mistakes. They maintain an average of 224.0 yards per game via the rush. They have given away no interceptions while letting opponents recover no fumbles and they have been able to earn 19 1st downs. When discussing their ability to score points, the Wildcats are ranking 60th in the country holding an average of 34.0 points per contest. Over the course of the season so far, the Wildcats currently sit at an average of 273.0 passing yards per game, which is ranked 41st in the country.

Northwestern has surrendered a total of 147 yards rushing as well as 1 touchdown via the rush on the season. They have allowed the opposition no TD's through the air and 285.0 yards per game, ranking them 129th in the country. Their defense has totaled no fumbles and 1 pick so far this year. The Wildcats defense has been on the field for 88 plays, ranking them 2nd in Division 1. The Wildcats are giving up 18.0 PPG, which puts them 60th in college football.

Who will win tonight's Buffaloes/Wildcats college football game against the spread?

Josh's Pick: Take the Buffaloes +4.5

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