In this article, we will formulate a Houston vs Utah Prediction for this College Football Week 8 matchup on Saturday, October 24th. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Football matchup.
Utah Utes Preview
Utah has a 6-0 record and a 3-0 record in the Big 12. They are coming off a 27-24 road win against Colorado and will face Cincinnati and BYU next.
Offensively, Utah averages 40.2 points per game, ranking 8th in the nation, while defensively, they allow 14.8 points per game, which is 12th. Utah averages 486.5 total yards per game (266.3 passing and 220.2 rushing), while allowing 303.2 total yards per game (88.7 rushing and 214.5 passing).
Devon Dampier leads Utah with 1,412 passing yards with 68.6% completed passes and 15 touchdowns. Wayshawn Parker leads the team in rushing yards with 597, while Braden Pegan has a team-high 422 receiving yards and 32 receptions. Defensively, Trey Reynolds has a team-high 35 total tackles (21 of them solo), while Karson Kaufusi leads the team with 2 sacks.
Houston Cougars Preview
Houston has a 6-1 record and a 3-1 record in the Big 12. They are coming off a 35-32 home win against Oklahoma State and will face Cincinnati and Colorado next.
Offensively, Houston averages 39.3 points per game, ranking 13th in the nation, while defensively, they allow 21 points per game, which is 45th. Houston averages 485.1 total yards per game (264.9 passing and 220.3 rushing), while allowing 347.6 total yards per game (82.6 rushing and 265 passing).
Conner Weigman leads Houston with 1,771 passing yards with 67.7% completed passes and 20 touchdowns. Makhi Hughes leads the team in rushing yards with 464, while Amare Thomas has a team-high 487 receiving yards and 36 receptions. Defensively, Kentrell Webb has a team-high 43 total tackles (36 of them solo), while Javion White leads the team with 2.5 sacks.
Houston Cougars @ Utah Utes Betting Trends: Week 8
Why the Utah Utes will win
- Utah has won each of its last 12 games.
- Houston has lost each of its last eight games against top-15 AP-ranked teams.
- Utah has covered the spread in seven of its last eight games at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
- Houston has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four games as a top-15 AP-ranked team.
- Utah has won the first quarter in each of its last six games.
- Utah has won the first half in each of its last eight games.
Why the Houston Cougars will win
- Utah has lost each of its last seven games as a top-10 AP-ranked team.
- Houston has won each of its last six games in October.
- Houston has covered the spread in each of its last seven road games against conference opponents.
- Utah has failed to cover the spread in each of its last five games as a top-10 AP-ranked team.
- Houston has won the first half in eight of its last nine games.
- Houston has won the first quarter in four of its last five games as a road underdog.
Total Points Facts
- Eight of Utah’s last nine October games as a home favorite have gone OVER the total points line.
- Four of Houston’s last five October games as an underdog have gone UNDER the total points line.
Utah Utes Player Prop Facts
- Devon Dampier has thrown two or more touchdown passes in 12 consecutive games – longest streak in the FBS.
Houston Cougars Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 8, Conner Weigman ranks 2nd amongst FBS players for passing touchdowns (20) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Utah ranks 1st among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (0.5).
- Utah ranks 1st among FBS teams for average point differential in first quarters this season (+12.0).
- Houston ranks 1st among FBS teams for 3rd down conversion percentage this season (61.4).
- Houston ranks 2nd among FBS teams for 1st downs this season (188).
Houston vs Utah Prediction
In this Houston vs Utah prediction, Utah is coming as -6.5 home favorites. Both teams have been excellent this season, as Utah has been undefeated and 5-1 ATS, while Houston has just one defeat but is 1-3 ATS in its last 4 games. Both teams have been excellent offensively, having the 8th and 13th-best offenses in the entire country, scoring 79.5 points per game combined and both defenses have not been in the best form, as Utah has allowed 24 points in its last two games and Houston allowed 32 points last week. I expect a high-scoring affair today, so take the over 56.5 points in this one.