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The University of Colorado made a huge statement with an upset over TCU in its season opener, and it’s having an effect on the betting industry. The Buffs are now a more popular pick at the sportsbooks than a number of notable professional teams.
The upcoming matchup between CU and rival Nebraska is garnering more interest than NFL contests on the first weekend of the season. It’s just another sign of the exposure and attention Deion Sanders has brought to Boulder.
When the university hired Coach Prime, a boost in media attention was expected. Season ticket sales immediately spiked, athletic gear was being snatched from the racks, and the team’s spring game was one of two nationally televised matchups on the main ESPN network this offseason (the other was national champion Georgia).
This, after winning just one game in the 2022 season.
The program exposure skyrocketed, as expected, but in order to keep the country focused on Colorado, the team needed to win on the field. It did so in Deion Sanders’ debut, upsetting TCU as a three-touchdown underdog.
In the game, Shedeur Sanders set a school record with 510 passing yards while Travis Hunter played 151 snaps, hauling in over 100 receiving yards and an interception.
Now, the attention is at an all-time high, and it’s showing at the sportsbooks.
According to MGM’s John Ewing, the upcoming Colorado vs. Nebraska game has been more popular than 14 NFL games – on opening weekend!
There are more bets on Colorado-Nebraska than 14 NFL games this week at @BetMGM.
80% of money is on @CUBuffsFootball -3. pic.twitter.com/57R9pJKZcv
— John Ewing (@johnewing) September 5, 2023
Not only are bettors rushing to place wagers on the game, but the overwhelming majority are backing the Buffs.
Ewing says that 80% of the money is on Colorado.
The Buffaloes enter the matchup as three-point favorites. They’ll look to move to 2-0 on the year when facing a Nebraska team that lost its season opener on the last play of the game against Minnesota.