The Utah Utes began the 2024 campaign as the Betting on College Football future market favorite to win the Big 12 Conference. However, what began as a 4-0 season has since gone off the rails. QB Cam Rising suffered yet another season-ending injury. Next, offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig resigned under fire. But Utah’s offensive ineptitude has been a drag on their championship dreams. But if the Utes can get a win on Saturday in the Holy War matchup against the hated and visiting BYU Cougars, the year will be salvaged. BYU is one of the top surprises this year.
BYU Cougars vs. Utah Utes NCAAF Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, November 9, 2024, 10:15 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Rice Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BYU | -4 -110 | 40½ -110 | -175 |  |
| Utah | +4 -110 | 40½ -110 | +150 | |
| ||||
BYU Cougars Team Overview
Last game, the BYU Cougars won 37-24 against the UCF Knights as 3-point road dogs. The game went over the online betting total of 53.5. BYU has a record of 8-0 straight up, 7-1 against the spread, and 6-2 over/under the total. BYU ranks 49th for total offense, 59th for passing, 59th for rushing and 24th for scoring. Defensively they rank 38th overall, 25th against the pass, 68th against the rush, and 24th for points allowed. Also, BYU ranks 63rd for fewest turnovers lost and 5th for takeaways.
Utah Utes Team Overview
Last game, the Utah Utes lost 17-14 against the Houston Cougars as 5-point road favorites. The game went under the total of 36. Utah has a record of 4-4 straight up, 2-6 against the spread, and 1-6-1 over/under the total. Utah ranks 85th for total offense, 74th for passing, 74th for rushing and 105th for scoring. Defensively they rank 16th overall, 13th against the pass, 53rd against the rush, and 11th for points allowed. Also, Utah ranks 106th for fewest turnovers lost and 54th for takeaways.
Utah Utes’ showdown with the Houston Cougars began with promise but ended in heartbreak, as a fourth-quarter rally by Houston handed the Utes a 17-14 loss. Utah’s fast start and balanced approach on offense initially provided optimism, but they faltered in the final minutes, allowing Houston to steal the game with a 43-yard field goal by Jack Martin as time expired. This loss marked the Utes’ fourth consecutive defeat, signaling a troubling pattern for a team that hasn’t started this poorly in nearly a decade.
The Utes looked sharp right out of the gate. On their first offensive play, quarterback Isaac Wilson connected with tight end Brant Kuithe for a 71-yard touchdown. The quick strike set an early tone, putting Utah up 7-0 with just over twelve minutes left in the first quarter. This impressive play hinted at the potential of Utah’s newly balanced offense under interim offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian, who has been tasked with rejuvenating the team’s attack.
However, Houston answered in the second quarter. At the 11:54 mark, Zeon Chriss found receiver Stephon Johnson for a 21-yard touchdown pass, leveling the score at 7-7 by halftime. While the Utes outgained the Cougars 277-166 overall, their inability to extend drives and capitalize on offensive opportunities kept the game closer than anticipated. Despite Utah’s impressive yardage advantage, Houston’s defense managed to contain the Utes when it mattered most, limiting them to just 14 points across four quarters.
BYU at Utah SBG Free Picks
Utah has lost the trust of most Betting on College Football participants and will be a tough sell against BYU. Both teams are coming off bye weeks. To conclude Utah will get an enhanced price because of its problems.
BYU at Utah SBG Best Bet: Utah Utes.