Attn: The Steps I Take in Handicapping a Game: Colorado vs. CSU

I've been handicapping games for a long time, and the no-doubt-about-it, most important aspect of my evaluations on any game I handicap is the rating I've given the two teams I'm looking at. I start working on each Division 1A team in June, and by this time, I've established a rating for almost all of them.
In the Colorado-CSU matchup, I have a team with a large edge in terms of team rating, and that team is Colorado. The rating edge grew even more when evaluating the game when I checked the injury reports, and found that CSU lost two starting defenders in their defensive line.
I then asked myself 5 questions concerning the Colo.-CSU game: Will Colo. run the ball on CSU? The Buffs have all their O-Line back from '09, returning Rbs with decent numbers, and CSU has just lost 2 def. linemen to injury. Yes, they will run. Will Colo. pass the ball on CSU? Yes. The QBs return, as well as top two receivers(plus the expd. O-line) vs. 6 returning def. starters for CSU that was horrible against the pass last year. Will CSU run the ball on Colo? Big losses in the O-line, against a veteran Buff defense, and it's my determination they will not be able to run the ball enough to protect their inexpd. QB. Will CSU pass the ball on COLO.? A new QB that's a freshman, with an inexperienced offensive line, and a receiving corps that's lost its top two receivers. Colo. has an experienced defense, with experienced CBs, so, no, I don't think CSU will have much success passing the ball.
The last question I ask is does either team have a clear intangible advantage? This is a rivalry game, so I would probably give a slight advantage to the team I think is the underdog, and I'd think that would be CSU.
Not knowing the actual line in this game, I try to picture what I feel will happen in this matchup. I think Colo. will run and pass against an injured, but, already weak CSU defense. CSU just doesn't have the experience or talent to keep up with a team that is clearly more experienced and more talented. If CSU gets behind early, I can envision a rout.
I've done the work, and now it's time to put my line on this game, and, remember, right now, I have no idea what the actual line on the game is.
I MAKE COLORADO A 15PT. FAVORITE OVER CSU! I will now look at the opening line on the game... I'm looking...TGS had the opening line at -9.5... If that is anywhere near the present line on the game, Colorado will be a strong, major play. Stay tuned.