Utah State vs Fresno State Prediction
Fresno State snapped their two game losing streak with an impressive win over Oregon State last time out and they have scored 31+ points in three of their last five games. Utah State has alternated wins and losses over their last five games and they have allowed 20 points or fewer in four of their last five. The Aggies have not been very good offensively, but the defense is keeping them in these games. I think Fresno State is the better side and their offense will be the difference. Take the Bulldogs here.
Utah State Aggies Betting Preview
The Utah State Aggies are 3-5 (2-2) this season after they defeated Colorado State by a score of 31-14 in their last game. Utah State led 17-0 at halftime and they added 14 points in the second half for the comfortable win. The Aggies out gained Colorado State by a total of 464-263, went 7-11 on third downs, and won the turnover battle by a total of 2-0 in the game. McCae Hillstead threw for 173 yards and one touchdown, while also rushing 11 times for 79 yards one score. Anthony Garcia caught 11 passes for 121 yards in the game.
Prior to that win, Utah State lost to Texas State by a score of 20-17, but did beat Washington State by a score of 17-16 before that. The Aggies have scored 16.9 points per game with 196.0 passing yards and 130.1 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 21.9 points against per game this season. McCae Hillstead has thrown for 398 yards with three touchdowns and four interceptions, while Eli Wood has 37 receptions for 479 yards and five scores. Javen Jacobs is the leading rusher with 98 carries for 491 yards and three touchdowns this season.
Fresno State Bulldogs Betting Preview
The Fresno State Bulldogs are 5-3 (2-2) this year after they defeated Oregon State by a score of 38-22 in their last game. Fresno State led 21-9 at halftime and they scored 17 points in the third quarter to seal the win. The Bulldogs were out gained by a total of 450-392, went 5-11 on third downs, and won the turnover battle by a total of 2-1 in the game. Jayden Mandal threw for 202 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, while Josiah Freeman caught six passes for 88 yards and two scores. Bryson Donelson carried the ball 16 times for 108 yards and one touchdown in the win.
Prior to that game, Fresno State lost to San Diego State by a score of 26-23 and Boise State by a score of 38-31. The Bulldogs have scored 28.9 points per game with 210.9 passing yards and 145.4 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 21.0 points against per game this season. Jayden Mandal has thrown for 1,595 yards with 10 touchdowns and two interceptions, while Josiah Freeman has 38 receptions for 533 yards and four scores. Bryson Donelson has rushed 81 times for 407 yards and six scores this year.
Why the Fresno State Bulldogs will win
- Fresno State has won seven of its last eight games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Utah State has lost eight of its last nine games as an underdog.
- Fresno State has covered the spread in seven of its last eight games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Fresno State has won the first half in each of its last eight games in November.
- Fresno State has won the first quarter in three of its last four road games against conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Utah State’s last six games in Utah have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of Fresno State’s last five November games as a road favorite have gone OVER the total points line.
Utah State Aggies Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 10, Asher Cunningham leads the Pac-12 Conference for forced fumbles (3) this season.
Fresno State Bulldogs Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 10, Manaki Watanabe leads the Pac-12 Conference for field goals made (14) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Utah State has suffered the equal-most road losses by a margin of three points or less of any FBS team this season (2).
- Utah State ranks 134th among FBS teams for points per game this season (16.9).
- Fresno State ranks 8th among FBS teams for average point differential in third quarters this season (+5.9).
- Fresno State ranks 9th among FBS teams for Q3 opponent points per game this season (1.9).
Positive Trends
As I look at the trends, I am comfortable staying with Fresno State to win. The Bulldogs have won seven of their last eight games against non-ranked teams and they have covered in all seven of those games. Utah State has lost eight of their last nine games as an underdog and they are ranked 134th in the nation in points per game. Take Fresno State to get a nice road win.