Oregon State vs Utah Preview and Free Pick
Scott Morris | September 29, 2023
Utah has been able to win despite a litany of injuries, including their star QB Cam Rising. But now you have to add in the mix of three injured linebackers and a total of 12 injuries from season start.
Utah
Key missing players for Utah: Inside linebacker Makiya Tongue is out for the season with an ACL tear. ILB Mason Tufaga is still not on the field and no one is sure why. His official injury is not listed. Outside linebacker Ryan Franke is listed as questionable to doubtful. Utah head coach sad that the 244 lb. linebacker is “simply not healthy”.
Still, Utah seems like a team that can find a way to win no matter what adversity they face. Last week they beat a solid UCLA team in fairly convincing fashion. This is what makes them scary. Word is that’s even possible that star QB Cam Rising may return tonight, which is icing on the cake.
ORG ST
Last week, against Pac-12 rival Washington State, the Beavers received their first loss of the year and were unable to complete their comeback victory. The Beavers would undoubtedly get some confidence from a victory over a top-10 team in Utah while also upsetting the Pac-12 standings and the AP Poll.
Clemson castoff QB DJ Uiagalelei is the starting signal-caller for the Beavers. He is having a good season, throwing for over 800 yards, 7 TDs and just 3 ints. The key to Utah winning this game is to pressure this guy from all angles. If you remember him at Clemson, you remember that his wheels aren’t the best and he makes erratic throws when pressured.
Point Spread & Total
The line was issued Oregon State -3. It then climbed to -3.5, -4 and today rests at -4.5. Utah is receiving 60% of the total bets and handle at the moment. So, this appears to be reverse line movement. The total is sitting at just 44.5 points, which suggests this should be a battle of attrition.
Utah allows only 9.5 ppg on defense and Oregon State allows only 17.75 PPG. But, Utah scores just 22.5 PPG and Oregon State is a much more prolific scoring offense, churning out almost 40 PPG.
Prediction & Free Pick
Oregon State is pretty peeved about dropping one at home to Washington State. They will look to play their best football, that is for certain. But, even with the injuries Utah is a force to be reckoned with. They have a very talented roster and will pull out all the stops to win this game. The safe money in on taking the points. Bet it now
