Utah vs BYU Betting Odds - Experienced pivot, running game will give BYU "Holy" win
Online betting players will be treated to a game that some in the state of Utah feel is bigger than football, the annual “Holy War” between BYU and Utah. Both teams are fighting for a better bowl, and the Utes have the upper hand due to last year’s beatdown of the Cougars at home. BYU would love to return the favor, and they’ll control the ball to cover the spread.
| Utah vs BYU Betting Odds: BYU -7.5 |
| WHAT: NCAA football odds |
| WHEN: Saturday, November 28, 5:00 PM ET |
| WHERE: LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, Utah |
| KEY STAT: Utah is 1-4 ATS on the road this year |
| PICK: BYU -7.5 |
Utah vs BYU betting odds breakdown: What’s On The Line
Second place in the Mountain West is up for grabs in the latest edition of the “Holy War”, and the No.19 Cougars (9-2, 6-1) come into this meeting on a three-game win streak. The No.21 Utes (9-2, 6-1) rebounded from a mauling at TCU by trouncing San Diego State, and they snapped a two-skid to their rivals last year with a 48-24 drubbing at home. They now lead the all-time series 53-33-4, and a date in the Armed Forces Bowl on New Year’s Eve is probably at stake, since TCU should go to a BCS bowl.
Betting Edge: Draw
Utah vs BYU betting odds breakdown: Offense
The Utah offense is balanced, but it’s not really explosive like their BYU counterparts. Freshman Jordan Wynn is improving, but this is a huge game for the kid in only his fifth college start. The Utah running backs are nicked up as well, but Eddie Wide needs to have a big game to take the pressure off of his quarterback. Receiver David Reed leads the MWC in yards.
Max Hall powers the No.10-ranked BYU offense, but the senior has been known to turn the ball over. He was picked off three times in a home loss against Florida State this year, and he tossed five interceptions at Utah last year. Harvey Unga leads the conference in rushing, and he may be the workhorse this weekend as the Utes have problems against the run.
Betting Edge: BYU
Utah vs BYU betting odds breakdown: Defense
Utah is 61st in the nation when it comes to run defense, and it cost them in their two losses. The Utes allowed 559 yards on the ground against Oregon and TCU, and they also lost defensive end Derrick Shelby against the Horned Frogs.
The BYU defense is 65th in the country against the pass, and like the Utes, they paid for it in their losses. The Cougars gave up 285 yards against the Horned Frogs, but it is also possible to run on them as Florida State gouged them for 313 yards at home.
Betting Edge: Utah
Utah vs BYU betting odds breakdown: Notable Injuries
Receiver John Peel (foot) is trying his best to get ready, as well as nose tackle Kenape Eliapo (eye). Shelby (knee) is definitely out, while the running-back trio of Wide (ankle), Shaky Smithson (thigh) and Sausan Shakerin (head) will try to play through the pain.
The Cougars are healthy and raring to go, which helps their sports betting chances.
Betting Edge: BYU
Utah vs BYU betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
Utah has won six of their last 10 against the Cougars, and they’ve taken five of their last seven trips to Provo, where BYU has suffered a couple of big losses this year. The Cougars have an experienced quarterback in Hall, who would love nothing more than to atone for last year’s performance in this game, while the Utes have a freshman in Wynn, who has been solid, but nothing special. The Cougars also have the edge at running back with Unga, and that will allow them to control the clock, and the game.
BLAKE’S PICK: BYU -7.5
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