Toss out all the records when these in-state rivals meet. The Utah State Aggies have been seeking respect from their football playing brethren in the state since they started playing football. They can make a statement with a win over Utah on Friday, hoping to catch the Utes on a letdown following a beating of Michigan.
ODDS
Coming off their win over Michigan in the season opener, Utah opened as a 12-point favorite against the Aggies. Two touchdowns is a lot to lay in a rivalry game that carries plenty of significance since this could be the last game between the schools for some time. A total had yet to surface, but look for that number to be around 40 when it does.
KEY MISMATCH
Utah State is often considered the ugly step-child to football playing schools Utah and BYU in the state. Their poor record against the Holy War rivals is partly to blame for that perception. You have to hand it to Utah State for continually wanting to play against them. The Aggies improved their program and have made the games exciting while getting wins in the process. USU knocked off Utah in 2012 and dropped a close game as the favored team in 2013. When these teams get together you really can throw out the records. The Aggies pulled out a win Saturday without scoring an offensive touchdown. Andrew Rodriguez totaled 136 yards on punt returns with the big one going for 88 yards and the game-winning score in a win over Southern Utah. The Aggies defense was stout limiting the Thunderbirds to 163 total yards and nine first downs, giving them a chance for the fourth quarter heroics. Granted the Utes aren’t Southern Utah, but the Aggies did put the clamps on the T-Birds attack. Forcing Utah to punt the football could be the best weapon for the Aggies, letting Rodriguez run free and changing the field position game.
KEY STAT
0.07 – Utah State’s third down conversion rate. The Aggies had a miserable time moving the football against FCS opponent Southern Utah last week, converting just once in 15 third down tries. They’ll be facing a much stiffer opponent in Utah on the road.
BETTING ANGLE
There is a third FBS school in Utah. Overshadowed by its neighbors to the south, Utah State has one way of gaining prominence in the state and that’s by beating Utah and BYU at any sport the school’s compete in. The Aggies beat BYU last year and snapped a 12-game losing streak to Utah with an overtime win in 2012. Aggies coach Matt Wells received a contract extension over the summer and has compiled a 20-9 record in his third season with the program. Last year he led the Aggies to a 10-4 record. It was the second 10-win season in school history and culminated with a second straight bowl win. The schools played each season from 1943 to 2009, but Utah dominated the rivalry so badly the Utes elected not to play. The Battle of the Brothers was renewed with the teams splitting games over the 2012 and 2013 seasons, but no future games are scheduled meaning this could be the end for some time. No better way for the Aggies to go out than winners.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Both teams are coming off close victories in their season openers, but Utah would have to be considered the favorite – and they are – with a big win over Michigan. The Aggies meanwhile squeaked by FCS opponent Southern Utah. But anything can happen in a rivalry game and bragging rights are on the line in this one. USU’s Chuckie Keaton, once considered a Heisman threat before knee injuries derailed his career, chiseled off two years of rust in the opener and is ready to wow everyone like he did back in 2012. Utah State has a strong defense and will be tested by Devontae Booker. The Aggies will slow the Utes’ star running back down, but they won’t stop him completely. I see this one being close and Utah State covers the spread but loses the game.
Utah 30, Utah State 23
The college football lines for this contest were first released by BookMaker and the Utes were positioned as 12-point favorites. Gamble on the game between every commercial break with BookMaker’s live betting feature. Along with an adjusted in-game moneyline, you can wager on what will happen on the next play or how many points will be scored in the next quarter. Live betting is the most exciting way to play!
Access live betting lines from your mobile device or tablet at BookMaker Sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here so start betting with BookMaker today! The Utah State Aggies and Utah Utes square off on Friday, September 11, 2015, at 9 p.m. ET at Rice-Eccles Stadium. You can watch the game live on ESPN2.
