:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47060754/usa-today-8096159.0.jpg)
This is a huge opportunity for the Colorado Buffaloes to start off 2015. They will get an extra game on the schedule, meaning they’ll minimally have 13 chances to win six football games to get to bowl eligiblity (seven is preferable but UCLA got a waiver as a 6-7 team).
Their first test comes against Hawaii in the isles late Thursday night. The Buffs are expected to win. Colorado is improving and they would probably be two touchdown favorites at home. The over/under is set at 56.5, which seems just about right.
The one thing about Hawaii is they do tend to be perky to start a season: They played USC very closely and nearly knocked off Washington last season. They also played Colorado close in Boulder, so there is a familiarity aspect that could help out the Rainbow Warriors. The Buffs are expected to make a decent leap this season, so it all depends on how you feel Colorado will adjust to the time zone differential. The Buffs will be a difficult out for sure.