Southern Utah vs. Utah Prediction, Odds, Picks for College Football Game of Week 1

Utah begins its first season in the Big 12 with a game against Southern Utah. It's time to continue our college football odds series with a prediction and pick for Southern Utah-Utah.

Southern Utah is coming off a 6-5 season last year under DeLane Fitzgerald. Last year, they had a rough start, dropping three points to Arizona State to start the year and losing four of their first five games. Still, they finished the season strong, winning five of their last six games, with the only loss being a double-overtime loss to Austin Peay.

Utah just finished its 19th season under Kyle Whittingham. Whittingham took over for Urban Myer and coached them to a win in the 2004 Fiesta Bowl. He's been great ever since. In his 19 years, they've only missed a bowl game three times. Last year was a down year for them. After back-to-back Pac-12 titles, they finished 8-5 last year after a loss in the Las Vegas Bowl.

Here are the college football odds, courtesy of FanDuel.

College Football Odds: Southern Utah-Utah Odds

Southern Utah: +38.5 (-112)

Utah: -38.5 (-108)

Over: 52.5 (-115)

Under: 52.5 (-105)

How to watch Southern Utah vs. Utah

Time: 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT

TV: ESPN+

Stream: fuboTV (Click here for a free trial)

Why Southern Utah could cover the spread/win

Southern Utah will replace its quarterback this year. Justin Miller took almost every snap at quarterback for them last year. He threw for 2,527 yards and 28 touchdowns. Grady Robinson also took snaps last year, but he too is gone. Southern Utah has two quarterbacks on the roster who have some experience: Jackson Berry and Bronson Barron, both juniors on the roster. Brendan Anderson, the freshman, also played in the spring game.

Still, Southern Utah has plenty of experience with returning players. Braedon Wissler and Targhee Lambson have returned as a solid running back combination. Wissler ran 145 times for 684 yards and five scores. Lambson, on the other hand, had 105 carries for 507 yards and six scores. Southern Utah also lost its best receiver. Isaiah Wooden was the best last year and is now a member of the Los Angeles Chargers. Zack Mitchell is the best returning receiver. He had 460 yards and four scores last year. Also, Timothy Patrick had 339 yards and four scores last year.

Defense will be the key for Southern Utah this season, starting with Anisi Purcell, who had four sacks last year. They also brought back Cody Coleman, the defensive back who had five pass defenses and two interceptions.

Why Utah could cover/win the spread

Utah will focus on quarterback Cam Rising. Rising missed all of last year due to injury but will be back this year after a stellar 2022 season. In 2022, he threw for 2,939 yards and 25 scores. He also has just seven interceptions. He also ran for 409 yards and six touchdowns. In addition, returning players will be an important part of Utah's season. Tight end Brant Kuithe will also be back this year. He has 206 yards on 19 receptions and three scores in 2022, but injuries plagued him this year as well. In 2021, he had 611 yards and six scores.

In the backfield, Ja'Quinden Jackson transferred to Arkansas, but Micah Bernard is coming back. Last year he was supposed to be the main back, but he only ran 16 times for 76 yards and one score before getting injured. He has over 500 yards in both 2022 and 2021 and scored six points in those two seasons. Money Parks will be the main receiver. Last year he had 293 yards and two scores. Also coming from USC is Dorian Singer. Last year he had 24 receptions for 289 yards and three scores.

Utah was 13th in the nation in yards and points per game on defense last year. They return three starters on the defensive line, including Junior Tafuna. Taguna had 1.5 sacks last year while also forcing a fumble and recovering one. He is a big run-stuffer and will remain that way in this game. Also returning for Utah is Connor O'Toole. He had 4.5 sacks last year and also forced a fumble. In the secondary, Zemiah Vaughn will be the focal point. He had six pass breakups and one interception last year.

Final Southern Utah-Utah Prediction and Pick

Cam Rising will most likely return to the main quarterback role. Still, the offense will be solid. They return three key players, including Rising, who will all have an impact. In addition, Utah's defense will once again be strong. They will dominate and easily cover a struggling Southern Utah offense.

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Final Southern Utah-Utah prediction and pick: Utah -38.5 (-108)