Utah State Aggies (1-1) vs. Air Force Falcons (2-0)
Utah State Aggies (1-1) will meet Air Force Falcons (2-0). This crucial matchup, crucial for college football picks, will take place Saturday at 8:00 PM ET at Falcon Stadium and broadcast live by CBSSN. Both teams have had mixed fortunes early in the season; thus making this matchup all the more meaningful as both look to build momentum heading into Week 3.
Utah State’s offensive firepower lies with running back Rahsul Faison and wide receiver Terrell Vaughn. Faison has proven himself an impressive ground player, amassing 154 yards on 12 carries for an average of 12.8 yards per attempt and scoring one touchdown; Vaughn, on the other hand, has proven himself as a consistent target with 23 receptions totaling 166 yards and three scores.
Air Force has found strength in running back Owen Burk and wide receiver Jared Roznos. Burk has amassed 164 yards on 33 carries – an average of 5 yards per rush with two touchdowns scored – while Roznos, while only making two receptions has made an impactful contribution of 95 receiving yards and one touchdown scorer.
Utah State Aggies vs. Air Force Falcons Game Info
| When: | Friday, September 15, 2023 at 8:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Falcon Stadium |
| TV: | CBSSN |
| Stream | SofaScore |
Cooper Legas QB vs. Zac Larrier QB
Utah State’s quarterback, Cooper Legas, has completed 46 of his 64 passing attempts, totaling 338 yards, with an impressive completion rate of 71.9%. While his passing game has been characterized by conservative plays, averaging 5.3 yards per attempt, Legas has proven effective with three touchdowns and just one interception. Notably, he has been sacked twice, indicating potential vulnerabilities in pass protection.
In contrast, Air Force’s Zac Larrier has had fewer passing attempts but has generated explosive results. With only six pass attempts, he has completed three for a remarkable 109 yards. While his completion percentage stands at 50%, Larrier’s yards per attempt are noteworthy at 18.2, showcasing his deep-ball threat. Larrier has also managed to throw one touchdown pass without being intercepted.
This quarterback matchup presents an intriguing contrast in styles. Legas leans towards a controlled, short-passing game, while Larrier favors high-risk, high-reward deep throws. Legas has been more active in the passing game, but Larrier poses a constant threat for explosive plays. The outcome may hinge on which quarterback can implement their style more effectively, as well as Legas’s ability to evade sacks and Larrier’s potential to improve his completion rate for sustained drives.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Air Force Falcons -360, Total Odds: 45
The odds for this matchup favor the Air Force Falcons, who enter the game as favorites with a point spread of -9.5 at -115 odds. In contrast, the Utah State Aggies are considered underdogs, with a spread of +9.5 at -105 odds. The over-under for the game is set at 45.
Utah State Aggies Betting Trends
The total has gone OVER in four of Utah State’s last six games and OVER in four of their last five when playing on the road against Air Force. Despite their recent moderate success in the Mountain West conference, with an 11-4 SU record in their last 15 games, Utah State has struggled on the road, posting a 1-4 ATS record. They are also 1-6 SU in games played in September.
Air Force Falcons Betting Trends
Air Force is on an impressive streak, going 7-0 SU in their last seven games and 8-1 SU in their last nine home games. While the total has gone UNDER in four of their last five games overall, it has gone OVER in four of their last five games when playing at home against Utah State. Additionally, they hold a strong 4-1 SU record in their last five games against Mountain West opponents.
Utah State Aggies vs. Air Force Falcons 9/15/23 Betting Picks
Given the Air Force Falcons’ impressive form, particularly their dominance in home games, and Utah State’s recent road struggles, the safer bet appears to be on Air Force to cover the -9.5 spread. For those looking to add some extra excitement to the game, you can also explore the best online casino options for wagering. The over-under is a nuanced choice, but considering the historical trend of high-scoring games between these two teams, particularly at Falcon Stadium, betting on the OVER 45 could prove prudent. Expect Air Force to extend their winning streak and cover the spread, though both teams may contribute to a game that surpasses the total points.
Free Pick and Prediction: Air Force Falcons will win 31-20
