Southern Utah vs Colorado St. Picks and Prediction for Saturday September 12 2026

The Southern Utah Thunderbirds travel to Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins, Colorado, to face the Colorado State Rams on Saturday, September 12. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. Southern Utah enters at 1-1 following a 47-42 victory over Weber State, while Colorado State is 1-0 after beating rival Wyoming 35-13. At the time of this writing the odds were not released. Before placing your wagers, check out our free college football picks for more predictions throughout the season.

Southern Utah Brings an Explosive Ground Attack

Southern Utah has already faced two quality FCS opponents, losing 28-21 at No. 2 Montana before beating Weber State 47-42. The Thunderbirds exploded for 514 total yards against Weber State and did most of their damage on the ground.

Floyd Chalk rushed 24 times for 183 yards and three touchdowns, while quarterback Will Burns added 148 rushing yards on only 13 carries. Burns also completed 10 of 18 passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns, giving Southern Utah multiple ways to stress a defense.

The obvious concern is defense. Weber State accumulated 460 yards and scored 42 points, including several explosive plays. Southern Utah can make this game uncomfortable offensively, but stopping Colorado State may prove much more difficult.

Colorado State Starts the Mora Era With a Statement

Colorado State opened the Jim Mora era with an impressive 35-13 victory over rival Wyoming. The Rams led 14-13 before scoring the game's final 21 points and forced four Wyoming turnovers.

Hauss Hejny completed 23 of 33 passes for 214 yards and threw five touchdowns while also rushing for 39 yards. RJ Vick caught six passes for 75 yards and three touchdowns as Hejny distributed completions among 10 different receivers.

Colorado State's defense held Wyoming to 273 total yards, intercepted three passes and recovered a fumble. The Cowboys also went 0-for-8 on third down and 0-for-1 on fourth down. That combination of quarterback efficiency and defensive disruption makes the Rams a dangerous favorite in their second straight home game.

Southern Utah vs Colorado St. Picks and Prediction

Pick: Southern Utah +17.5 or Better

With conventional sportsbook odds still unavailable, Southern Utah +17.5 or better is my target. Colorado State should win this game, but Southern Utah's offense is dangerous enough to make laying a huge number uncomfortable. The Thunderbirds just rushed for more than 300 yards against Weber State, with Chalk and Burns combining for 331. Colorado State is clearly the better team, but three possessions would be too much respect for the FBS-FCS distinction. Take Southern Utah if the market gives us +17.5 or better.

Pick: Over 55.5

The Over 55.5 is my preferred total target. Southern Utah's last game produced 89 points, and its offensive style creates both scoring opportunities and additional possessions for opponents. Colorado State just scored 35 against Wyoming with Hejny throwing five touchdowns, while Southern Utah allowed Weber State to generate 460 yards. The Thunderbirds should contribute enough offensively to help this get into the 60s. Take the Over if the total is set at 55.5 or lower.

Final Picks: Southern Utah +17.5 or better and Over 55.5 or lower