The Utah Utes are in the thick of a cloudy Pac-12 South race, and need to pick up every winnable game they can. Utah will be a significant road favorite against the Oregon State Beavers in Week 7, and it’s crucial in order to keep pace.
Oregon State has struggled this season but did just beat California in overtime so has to be feeling more confident. Even so, the Utes have the more talented group and should be able to take care of business despite some key injuries at the running back position.
This contest in Week 7 of the regular season will go down Saturday, October 15, 2016, at 4 p.m. ET at Reser Stadium.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Utah -9.5
Oregon State +9.5
Over/Under 51
Odds Analysis
The bettors feel clearly that this spread is too high. Oregon State has been the choice to cover in 85 percent of the early betting action. It’s an interesting trend since the Beavers have had some big struggles this season.
The scoring total could be pegged too high as a gaudy 95 percent of the early money is choosing the “under” when the final whistle blows.
Injury Report
The Utes are down to their sixth string running back after losing their top rusher Armand Shyne to a leg injury this week. Shyne was injured in the fourth quarter of Utah’s win over Arizona last Saturday.
He has 373 yards on 78 carries and four touchdowns this season and marks the fifth starter that Utah has lost to injury this year. Shyne shot up the depth chart this season after Joe Williams, the preseason starter, retired two weeks in and Zack Moss and Troy McCormick suffered injuries.
The hope is that Moss will be back this week against Oregon State. The true freshman has 66 carries for 309 yards and two touchdowns in four games. If not, Utah could really go pass-heavy behind quarterback Troy Williams.
Cal has given up 224.8 rushing yards per game this season, a really poor total, so whoever lines up at tailback for Utah could find success as long as the offensive line dominates at the line of scrimmage.
Player to Watch
Hunter Dimick - The defensive end has been a difference-maker for the Utah defense this year. The senior has five sacks on the season so far, tied or the most in the Pac-12.
Dimick also has 26 tackles, a forced fumble and fumble recovery and one pass breakup this year. He will be looking to bring the pressure again this week against Darell Garretson and the Oregon State offense.
The Utah defense is only giving up 19 points per game and is one of the stingiest in the conference. If Dimick and the rest of the pass-rushers can consistently get in the backfield, it will greatly affect the game.
Free ATS Pick
It’s a little perplexing why the bettors would back California in this one. The Bears do have the home field advantage, but their defense has been a real eyesore.
California is allowing 33.2 points and 431.8 yards of total offense this season. Even though Utah isn’t super explosive on offense, it can take advantage of mistakes.
On the flip side, the Cal offense has done a really nice job running the ball this season but faces a Utes defense which has a solid defensive front. This does not seem to be a good matchup for California.
Utah is establishing itself as one of the top contenders in the Pac-12 South. This game means a lot to the Utes and they should be able to come away with a convincing win. While Cal won a big one last week, take Utah to cover and win convincingly this week.
College Football Odds: Utah 34, Oregon State 19
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