Southern Utah Thunderbirds (6-5 Last Season) vs. Utah Utes (8-5 Last Season)
As the new NCAAF season kicks off, the Southern Utah Thunderbirds prepare to face the Utah Utes on Thursday. Both teams come into the first week with contrasting records from the previous season. The game is set to take place at Rice-Eccles Stadium at 9:00 PM ET and will be broadcast on ESP+. This matchup is significant not only for the teams involved but also for bettors seeking the latest NCAAF picks as they navigate the complexities of early-season performances.
Southern Utah struggled and finished with a record of 6 -5. The key players this season are Braedon Wissler, a powerful running back who last year rushed for 684 yards and had five touchdowns; known for his agility and ability to break through tough defenses. Besides, Timothy Patrick is a wide receiver with versatility in the offense, as he gives us 339 receiving yards and four touchdowns. They have to aggregate excellent performances so that they surpass last year’s wins.
However, the Utah Utes were relatively more stable, having managed an 8-5 record in the previous campaign. Jaylon Glover, their primary running back produced a total of 562 rushing yards in last season, which will be very important for him to control the game tempo. Money Parks caught only 293 passes last season but will be required to use his speed as well as route-running skills against the Southern Utah defense.
Southern Utah Thunderbirds vs. Utah Utes Game Info
| When: | Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 9:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Rice-Eccles Stadium |
| TV: | ESP+ |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Justin Miller QB vs. Luke Bottari QB
A passer rating of 141.1, 28 touchdowns and 2,527 passing yards were accomplished by Justin Miller, quarterback for Southern Utah in the last season. In this game, his long pass executing ability which can be seen with a throw of 66 yards is critical. Regardless of what the odds may say, the decision-making skills under pressure, shown by Miller and his overall experience will give his team a fighting chance.
On another hand, Luke Bottari who only managed to get 79 passing yards last season shows a potential to complete set passes with a total percentage average of 63.6%. His accuracy and quick understanding of how fast the game moves are also what he is good at. This match could be a pathfinder on which Bottari will build his own way to become Utah’s trusted quarterback throughout the year.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Utah Utes -38 -110, Total Odds: 53
The betting odds are heavily in favor of the Utah Utes with a -38 point spread, reflecting their strong home record and the challenges Southern Utah faces on the road. The total under 53 points at -110 suggests a game dominated by strong defenses and potentially limited scoring opportunities.
Southern Utah Thunderbirds Betting Trends
Southern Utah’s recent betting trends do not favor them, with a 3-6 record against the spread (ATS) in their last nine games and a 0-10 record straight up (SU) in their last 10 games. These trends highlight the difficulties they face, particularly in road games and against high-caliber teams like those in the Pac-12 conference.
Utah Utes Betting Trends
Utah shows better form with a 19-1 SU record in their last 20 home games and a perfect 6-0 ATS record in their last six games played in August. These trends indicate a strong start to the season for Utah, especially at home, which could be decisive in this matchup.
Southern Utah Thunderbirds vs. Utah Utes 8/29/24 Betting Picks
The stronger team in this game and a safer bet for it appears to be the Utah Utes as indicated by the analysis and betting trends. They should cover the spread comfortably due to their strong home performance, strategic advantages offered by key players in pressure situations among other reasons.
In conclusion, if one watches their key players like Miller and Wissler, Southern Utah might not do well but it can reveal an opportunity for growth during the current season. Under the total points is a good prop bet given both teams’ recent performances. When visiting the best online casino, it makes sense to consider taking a position on the Utah Utes to cover which way seems a safe choice.
