Baylor Bears (1-0) vs. Utah Utes (1-0)
September 7, 2024 3:30 pm EDT
The Line: Utah Utes -14.5 / Baylor Bears +14.5; Over/Under: +53.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Baylor Bears and Utah Utes meet Saturday in week 2 college football action at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Here’s a Utah vs Baylor Prediction. This article will include a Utah vs Baylor Pick.
Baylor Bears Betting Preview
The Baylor Bears beat Tarleton State in their season opener and take on Air Force and Colorado in the following weeks. Baylor looks for its first 2-0 start since the 2021 season. Dequan Finn is completing 63.6 percent of his passes for 192 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Ketron Jackson Jr. and Ashtyn Hawkins have combined for 106 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, while Monaray Baldwin has 2 receptions.
The Baylor Bears ground game is averaging 164 yards per contest, and Richard Reese leads the way with 78 yards on 18 carries. Defensively, Baylor is allowing 3 points and 181 yards per game. Matt Jones leads the Baylor Bears with 7 tackles, Garmon Randolph has 1 sack and Keaton Thomas has 1 interception.
Utah Utes Betting Preview
The Utah Utes are coming off a shutout win over Southern Utah and play Utah State and Oklahoma State in the following weeks. Utah looks to start 2-0 for the ninth time in the last 12 years. Cameron Rising is completing 66.7 percent of his passes for 254 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Dijon Stanley and Brant Kuithe have combined for 219 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns, while Daidren Zipperer has 3 receptions.
The Utah Utes ground game is averaging 220.5 yards per contest, and Stanley leads the way with 34 yards on 6 carries. Defensively, Utah is allowing 20.4 points and 325.3 yards per game. Keanu Tanuvasa leads the Utah Utes with 4 tackles, Van Fillinger has 2 sacks and Elijah Davis has 1 interception.
Why the Utah Utes will win
- Utah has won each of its last 30 games against non-AP-ranked teams at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
- Baylor has lost each of its last seven games against AP-ranked teams.
- Baylor has failed to cover the spread in each of its last seven games against AP-ranked teams.
- The home team has covered the spread in each of Baylor’s last four games.
- Baylor has lost the first half in eight of its last nine games against conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Baylor’s last six games as an underdog against top-15 AP-ranked teams has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of Utah’s last six games in September has gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Utah ranks T1st among FBS teams for points allowed per game this season (0.0).
- Utah ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q2 points per game this season (28.0).
- Baylor ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
- Baylor ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q2 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
Utah vs Baylor Prediction
The Utah Utes are the more balanced team and should be favored as they’re a popular pick to win the Big 12. And while this line is a bit disrespectful toward a Baylor team that can move the ball offensively with a proven quarterback, you kind of have to lean toward the Utes in a comfortable win.
I’m not sure Baylor has the defense to stay in this game, and a win over Tarleton State didn’t show us much. Also, Utah is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games as a double-digit favorite. Baylor is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games as a double-digit underdog. I’d love to get off the hook if possible, but give me Utah and the chalk regardless.
