BYU Cougars (8-0) vs. Utah Utes (4-4)
The BYU Cougars play against the Utah Utes in an exciting NCAAF match. While the Cougars come into the match with an impressive undefeated streak of 8-0, the Utes are at 4-4 this season. The two teams will clash on the night of Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 10:15 PM ET, which is Week 11 of NCAAF and is bound to be one of the top matches of the week as it will be shown live on ESPN. This matchup, in particular, also stands out since the BYU Cougars will be trying to maintain their perfect season in a bid for the top picks for NCAAF free betting picks.
LJ Martin and Darius Lassiter have played key roles in the attack strategies deployed by BYU. Martin, the dominant runner back has evaded defenders with 357 rushing yards and five touchdowns with an average of 5.6 yards per carry. On the other hand, Lassiter has also posed a danger through the air with an average receiving of four hundred and four yards on thirty-one catches and four touchdowns. They have played in an active manner that has in the recent past, been vital for BYU as they seek to increase points on the board and remain unbeaten.
As for the Utah Utes, they do have players like Micah Bernard and Dorian Singer to rely on. Micah Bernard, a strong running back, has been able to post 780 yards rushing with an average of six yards per carry, which shows his capability to penetrate through the defense lines. Singer has not been able to reach the end zone but has contributed nicely with 540 receiving yards on 39 catches. Both players are important for Utah’s chances as they look to stop the inform Cougars in the comforts of their home.
BYU Cougars vs. Utah Utes Game Info
| When: | Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 10:15 PM ET |
| Where: | Rice-Eccles Stadium |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Jake Retzlaff QB vs. Isaac Wilson QB
This season, Jake Retzlaff, the quarterback for the Cougars, has completed 133 passes for 1,872 throwing yards and 18 touchdown passes against 7 interceptions. Now, he has achieved a taming rating of 148.3 passes. Another one of Retzlaff’s impressive feats is executing a Long Pass of 62 yards and sustaining nine sacks, which shows how vital he is to the offensive scheme of BYU. The critical aspect will be how the quarterback manages the pressure, as he will face a Utah defense that has been impressive in pass coverage.
On the other hand, Isaac Wilson from Utah had a rough season, recording a total of 1200 yards, 8 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also had to deal with a nasty offensive line, allowing 14 sacks, which culminated in his rating of 118.2 passer aggressiveness. If Utah has any hopes of using home advantage to impede the explosive BYU offense, then Wilson’s game performance needs to be near 0 errors on Snap.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: BYU Cougars -195, Total Odds: 41.5
The betting odds slightly favor the Cougars, reflecting their dominant season performance. The spread sits at BYU -4.5, a testament to their powerful offense and solid defense. Bettors might find value in watching the total, set at 41.5, given both teams’ recent scoring histories and defensive capabilities.
BYU Cougars Betting Trends
BYU has covered the spread in 9 of their last 10 games, with the total going OVER in 5 of their last 6. Their ability to outperform betting expectations, especially against higher-scoring opponents, makes them a reliable bet. However, their historical 5-11 ATS record against Utah could cause some hesitation among bettors.
Utah Utes Betting Trends
Conversely, Utah has struggled against the spread, going 1-6 ATS in their last 7 outings. Their games have tended to be low-scoring, with the total going UNDER in their last 5 games, aligning with their defensive play style but inconsistent offense.
BYU Cougars vs. Utah Utes 11/9/2024 Betting Picks
Based on the analysis of trends and performance of both teams, the Cougars seem likely to extend their unbeaten run this time, too, although the tie can be quite competitive owing to the rivalry and also the stakes involved. Given the tactical nature of the rivalry, it is possible to argue that BYU will cover the spread with their overall more potent team and a better push through the game.
Bettors seeking more action can look toward the under on total points. This is especially true considering both teams’ strong defensive outings and Utah’s recent low-scoring games. It would also be beneficial to bettors focusing on the top live betting websites to take or wait for in-play betting on quarter scores or halftime scores. There are potential momentum shifts with sneak attacks in strategy, and those adjustments may be worth betting on.
