Colorado vs. Stanford: Spread Info, BCS and Heisman Impact, Line and Predictions

The matchup between the Colorado Buffaloes and Stanford Cardinal boasts two teams on different sides of the spectrum.

The Cardinal are 4-0, while the Buffaloes are 1-4 thus far in the season.

Stanford is considered a BCS contender, while Colorado likely won't reach a bowl game.

Where: Stanford Stadium

When: Sat, Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m. ET

Watch: Versus

Listen: KTRB 860 (Stanford), KTMM 1340 and KDZA 107.9 (Colorado)

Betting Line: Stanford (-30)

Stanford has been quite impressive so far this year, while Colorado has been anything but impressive. Stanford has been hot as of late, as they have covered the spread five consecutive times. Two of those games required victories of more than 20 points, which they cleared comfortably.

On the other hand, Colorado has failed to cover the spread in two of their last five games.

Colorado is giving up over 30 points per game, and have yet to see an offense as explosive as Stanford's offense, while the Cardinal are putting up over 45 points per game.

Expect Stanford to easily reach their average in this one, and slow the Colorado offense enough to cover the 30-point spread. 

Colorado Injury Report:

Player		Injury	Status/Updated	Notes
Kyle Cefalo	WR	Undisclosed	ques Sat - 10/5/11	Cefalo is dealing with an undisclosed injury and is considered questionable for Saturday's game against Stanford.
Shawn Daniels	OL	Calf	doub Sat - 10/4/11	Daniels has yet to play this season due to a calf injury and he is not expected to play Saturday against Stanford.
Liloa Nobriga	LB	Suspension	out for season - 10/6/11	Norbriga has been suspended for the remainder of the season for violating team rules.
Parker Orms	DB	Suspension	out for season - 10/6/11	Orms has been suspended for the remainder of the season for violating team rules.
Ayodeji Olatoye	DB	Suspension	out for season - 10/6/11	Olatoye has been suspended for the remainder of the season for violating team rules.
Paul Vigo	DB	Suspension	out for season - 10/6/11	Vigo has been suspended for the remainder of the season for violating team rules.
Josh Moten	DB	Suspension	out for season - 10/6/11	Moten has been suspended for the remainder of the season for violating team rules.
Vince Ewing	DB	Knee	out indefinitely - 10/1/11	Ewing will be out indefinitely with a knee injury.
Travis Sandersfeld	DB	Ankle	out indefinitely - 9/20/11	Sandersfeld is suffering from an ankle injury and is out indefinitely.
Jack Harris	OL	Leg	out indefinitely - 9/20/11	Harris broke a bone in his leg in Week 2 and will be out indefinitely.
Jered Bell	DB	Knee	out for season - 9/10/11	Bell will miss the 2011-12 season due to a torn ACL.

Stanford Injury Report:

Player		Injury	Status/Updated	Notes
Shayne Skov	LB	Knee	out for season - 9/24/11	Skov will miss the remainder of the season due to a knee injury.

Injury report courtesy of USA Today. 

BCS/Top 25 Implications:

It is evident that the only team involved in the Top 25 or BCS discussion in this game is the Stanford Cardinal.

Barring any sort of catastrophe, the Cardinal will remain a Top 10 team and in the National Championship talks. 

Heisman Implications:

With LaMichael James injuring his shoulder, Luck may be able to make up some ground in the Heisman chase if James misses some time.

Another huge performance for Luck against Colorado should boost his numbers and put him one step closer to winning the Heisman Trophy.

What They're Saying:

Andrew Luck has been calling a lot of his own plays this season and, despite what everyone else thinks, Luck told ESPN it's not a big deal. "I think the whole calling plays thing has been overblown a little," he said. "...It's not that special. All of our quarterbacks could do it. All of our linemen could call what I'm calling."

Stanford Player to Watch: Andrew Luck

Who else would you want to watch for Stanford?

Luck is the best QB in the country, and will be looking to prove why he is going to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Expect another monster day out of Luck in what should be a blowout.

Colorado Player to Watch: Tyler Hansen

Colorado QB Tyler Hansen has been the lone bright spot for the Buffaloes this season. He has 11 passing touchdowns on the season and just two interceptions. He has racked up over 1,300 yards passing through five games, and will be hoping to put up some points against Stanford's secondary.

He is fun to watch, and will do his best to keep up with Luck in this game.

Key Matchup: Colorado Secondary vs. Andrew Luck

The Buffaloes stand absolutely no chance if they don't slow down Andrew Luck. They are going to do everything they can to get pressure on him and mix up coverages.

If Colorado's secondary struggles, this game could be over by halftime. However, if they play the game of their lives, they may be able to hang around in this game. 

Prediction:

Stanford Cardinal 54, Colorado Buffaloes 20