Colorado State vs. Virginia Odds, Opening Spread, Predictions for 2024 NCAA Tournament

Colorado State vs. Virginia Odds

The 2024 NCAA Tournament field has been announced and Colorado State will take on Virginia in the First Four game. Here's everything you need to know about Colorado State vs. Virginia odds, spread and more.

Colorado State opened as a 1.5-point favorite over Virginia in the first round off the NCAA Tournament, with the total set at over/under 118.5 points scored by both teams combined.

Find out how 10-seeded Colorado State and 10-seeded Virginia match up statistically ahead of their opening round matchup.

Statistical Matchup

Colorado State vs. Virginia Analysis

The committee doesn’t care to set up the “First Four” to maximize entertainment value. Consequently, we will be forced to tune in to Virginia vs Colorado St. instead of a potential St. John’s vs Wake Forest matchup.

If you still choose to watch this one (if you’re reading this, I’m guessing you will), here are some quick thoughts:

It was surprising to see Colorado St. slated to face off in Dayton. Most considered the Rams (and Boise St., for that matter) safely in the field. The Rams are a well-rounded team that will be content to play at Virginia’s desired sluggish pace.

The defensive improvement of Niko Medved’s team this year is likely why they won eleven more games than last season. Nique Clifford, a Colorado transfer, and newcomers Joel Scott and Rashaan Mbemba have significantly helped the Rams’ rim protection and rebounding.

Scott is a terrific offensive rebounder who excelled in that respect last year at the NCAA D-II level. Medved sought Scott’s services in the offseason after Scott was named a D-II All-American at Black Hills St. He should be an annoyance to Virginia on the offensive glass against their pack-line defensive approach.

This game should be ugly. Even the uniform combination between the two teams won’t have much pop.

All jokes aside, the first team to reach 60 likely wins in Dayton.

Despite the low total, I still lean Under in this game with two unfamiliar opponents. And, give me the Rams – who will certainly be “America’s Team” given all of the Virginia hate online.

— Scott Schaeffer

For more coverage of the 2024 NCAA Tournament and Selection Sunday, make sure to check out our experts' live reactions to the bracket reveal and the Selection Sunday live show, where you can get their instant analysis on every matchup as well as some early insights to help you make your bets.