The Oregon Ducks and the Utah Utes meet in week 9 college football action from Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Oregon Takes Out Washington State

The Oregon Ducks come into this game on the heels of a 38-24 win over Washington State in their last matchup to improve to 6-1 on the year. Bo Nix has thrown for 2,089 yards, 19 touchdowns and an interception on 78.4% passing while Bucky Irving has a team-high 649 rushing yards with 7 touchdowns while Jordan James has 463 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns. Troy Franklin leads Oregon’s receivers with 44 receptions for 768 yards and 8 touchdowns while Tez Johnson has 368 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns. Four more Ducks have 200+ receiving yards as well on the year. On defense, Tysheem Johnson has a team-high 39 total tackles while Brandon Dorius has a team-leading 4 sacks. Evan Williams has 3.5 sacks and Jordan Burch has 3 sacks as well.

Oregon Ducks Team Facts

• The favorite has won each of Oregon’s last 10 games.
• Oregon has covered the spread in each of its last six October games as a favorite against AP-ranked teams.
• Oregon has won the first half in 10 of its last 12 games against conference opponents.
• Seven of Oregon’s last eight games in October have gone OVER the total points line.

Utah Upsets USC

The Utah Utes come into this one with a record of 6-1 on the year after a 34-32 win over USC in their last game. Bryson Barnes has thrown for 633 yards, 4 touchdowns and 3 interceptions on 58.4% passing while Nate Johnson’s thrown for 499 yards and 3 touchdowns. Ja’Quinden Jackson has a team-high 450 yards while Jaylon Glover and Sione Vaki each have 200+ rushing yards as well. Mikey Matthews has a team-high 22 receptions for 210 yards while Money Parks and Devaughn Vele each have 200+ receiving yards as well on the year. On defense, Cole Bishop has a team-high 35 total tackles while Jonah Elliss has a team-high 10 sacks. As a unit, Utah has combined for 25 sacks and 7 interceptions this season.

Utah Utes Team Facts

• Utah has won each of its last 18 games at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
• Utah has covered the spread in each of its last seven October games as an underdog.
• Utah has won the first half in eight of its last nine games against conference opponents at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
• Nine of Utah’s last 10 games in October have gone OVER the total points line.

Chris’ Pick

I’m going to do the unthinkable at Rice-Eccles and fade Utah. I think there’s a reason that Oregon is favored here. I truly think that Oregon is the best team in the Pac-12 and now that Utah’s shut Cam Rising down for the year, Oregon can focus on shutting down Nate Johnson and Bryson Barnes. The Ducks are just built to beat teams home or away and I don’t love Utah’s chances of going score for score against a legit defensive unit like Oregon’s. I think the Ducks get it done and pull away here. Give me Oregon to snap the Utes’ home winning streak with a win and cover.