Pinnacle +3½ -108 BET365 +3½ -110 Sportsinteraction +3½ -110 888Sport +3½ -110

Posted at 10:30 AM EST. Odds subject to change.

Utah +3½ over BYU

Rice-Eccles Stadium – Salt Lake City, UT

Streaming: ESPN

10:15 PM EST. We are going to try this one more time with our attack on BYU, as once again we see the Cougars sitting in the top-10 spotting a short tag to an unranked foe on the road. The Cougars have been an anomaly in 2023-24, as they have averted every trap bet that they have been a part of, which includes being a ranked underdog twice against an unranked opponent on the road. We are hard-pressed to believe that in a game of this magnitude with Brigham Young’s ranking, ATS record, and profit margins that they are going to be offered up at a give-away price here.

Given the fact that the Utes are 2-6 against the spread compared to BYU’s 7-1, we could make an argument that the wrong side is favored. Such an opinion wouldn’t be unwarranted, as all the rankings, box scores, and records go out the window when it comes to the fabled Holy War. This is a rivalry that needs no introduction. It speaks for itself when it comes to ferocity and it is ripe with surprise, as the unthinkable has happened in this series ranging from fans storming the field too early and game-winning Hail Mary’s. Playing such a game in hostile confines is something ill-afforded to the guests and for the Cougars, this could very well be the most difficult test for them season-to-date.

Once upon a time, Utah was hovering near the Top 10 and they were picked to win the Big 12 and represent the conference in the College Football Playoff. Those that touted the Utes, spoke of the consistency of skipper Kyle Whittingham and what his program brings to the table with their style of play and next-man up mentality. For Utah, the season started off as anticipated with the Utes getting to 4-0 before they found themselves in a skid over the last month. Though Utah was favored in every game, the Utes lost all four games outright to Arizona, Arizona State, TCU, and Houston. Utah lost all four games by a margin of 31 points, three of which were settled by a possession or less. It is worth noting that the Utes lost their quarterback Cameron Rising in the midst of this skid, which is an enormous blow for Utah from an emotional intangible and leadership perspective. However, despite everything we mentioned, Utah lost three games by a possession: all of which were settled on the final drive. In another universe somewhere, Utah could be 7-1 and in the thick of the Big 12 race as opposed to now on the outside looking in, but the posted number suggests that the Utes are primed to remind the masses of why so many looked kindly upon them in the preseason.

Sherwood

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