Tennessee vs. Colorado Prediction and Odds: Can Buffs Cover at Home?

Tennessee heads to Boulder to face off against Colorado on Saturday afternoon. Can Rick Barnes and the Vols handle the altitude that Colorado plays at as well as cover the sizeable spread?

Let's break down this matchup of high major foes by first looking at the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook.

Tennessee vs. Colorado Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Tennessee: -5.5 (-115)
• Colorado: +5.5 (-105)

Moneyline:

• Tennessee: -225
• Colorado: +180

Total: 136.5 (Over -115/Under -105)

Tennessee vs. Colorado Prediction and Pick

I expect a bit of a slug fest in this one as I question how the Vols offense will run against one of their toughest opponents to date.

While I have high hopes for Kennedy Chandler at point guard for Tennessee, Colorado has a strong interior defense that is going to force UT to hoist from deep. The shots have been falling from deep, nearly 38% as a team, but this is an experienced Buffs team with a future lottery pick in Jabari Walker, points won't be easy.

At the other end, Colorado is overly reliant on drawing fouls. The team is 11th in the nation in free throw rate and nearly a quarter of their points come from the charity stripe.

I believe Colorado can make this game messy and stay close. If they are going to get Tennessee into foul trouble and slow this game down, making the Vols operate in the half court, I can see this one going down to the wire.

Don't sleep on the fact that Tennessee is making a rare trip to Colorado as well. The altitude can play a factor down the stretch.

LEAN: Colorado +5.5