From the top down: The spread between #24 Iowa State and the buffs is the same as the spread between the #48 buffs and The BISON.
the Co Buffalloes are no overwhelming matchup for NDSU but a very tough opponent with resources far exceeding anything NDSU might have
With all due respect the buffs are not the football monolith some are making them out to be. All they are is a 9,5 pt favorite against a totally unknown but competent opponent possessing an overwhelming financial advantage:
Co Athletic budget
NDSU Athletic budget
Currently pre season The Colorado Buffaloes are ranked 2nd in the MVFC, the premier football conference in the Football Championship Division of college division 1 Athletics