The Utah Utes and the Oregon State Beavers meet Friday in college football action from Reser Stadium. Utah last played UCLA over the weekend. The Utes would go on to power out a seven-point victory. As for Oregon State, they’re coming off a matchup versus Washington State. In that one the Beavers lost a tough one by three points. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

Utah Utes 

The Utes had a tricky matchup versus Florida in their opener this year, but everything worked out well in a 24-11 win. Utah would power out a 20-13 victory over Baylor in game two, then the Utes took out Weber State 31-7 the next weekend. Utah QB Nate Johnson threw for 193 yards with a score in that one, and also ran for 71 yards with another TD. 

The Utes took on UCLA last weekend. In that one Utah took a 14-0 lead into the locker room but couldn’t score after that in a tense 14-7 win. Johnson put up 117 yards and a TD, while Jayvon Glover was tops in rushing with 86 yards off 25 carries.

Utah Utes Team Facts

Utah has won each of its last six games in September.
Utah has failed to cover the spread in seven of its last eight road games in September.
Utah has won the first quarter in each of its last four games against conference opponents at Reser Stadium.
Utah has won the first half in each of its last three games against conference opponents at Reser Stadium.
Each of Utah’s last five games in September have gone UNDER the total points line. 

Oregon State Beavers 

Over on the Oregon State side, they were able to get out of their first three games undefeated without too much difficulty. First came a 42-17 win over San Jose State in the opener, then a 55-7 win over UC Davis. In game three against San Diego State, Oregon State once again rolled with a 26-9 outcome. Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei had a sketchy outing on 284 yards, one TD and two picks, though. 

Last weekend versus Washington State, the Beavers coughed up 28 points in the first half alone but managed to make things interesting late in a 38-35 loss. Uiagalelei finished on 198 yards, one TD and one interception. Deshaun Fenwick had a nice game with 101 rush yards and three scores, though. 

Oregon State Beavers Team Facts

Oregon State has lost each of its last seven September games against AP-ranked teams.
Oregon State has covered the spread in each of its last nine home games against conference opponents.
Oregon State has won the first quarter in each of its last four home games against conference opponents.
Oregon State has won the first half in six of its last seven home games against conference opponents.
Five of Oregon State’s last six games against AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

Oregon State was one of only six FBS teams to win 3+ games when trailing after Q3 last season.
Oregon State ranked T7th among FBS teams for H1 win percentage last season (.769).
Utah ranked 2nd among FBS teams for Q2 points per game last season (14.6).
Utah ranked T3rd among FBS teams for Q2 win percentage last season (.786).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’ll probably stick with Oregon State in this one. The Beavers were on their heels for most of the game against Washington State, and though they improved late with 21 fourth-quarter points, Oregon State wasn’t all that competitive for most of the game. The Beavers gave up 422 passing yards, 27 first downs and 8.1 yards per play in the defeat. This should be another tough matchup, but if Oregon State plays well I think they’ll be right in the mix. 

As for Utah, they started out great in the first half but faded on the scoreboard after the break. The defense was stellar though (243 yards allowed). I like this one to be a similarly low-scoring game with a close Oregon State cover/win. Should be a fun one to watch.