In certain college football rivalries, the significance of the occasion can sometimes mean you throw stats out the window. The Cougars and Utes represent exactly that kind of intensity, making Saturday’s contest a potential highlight of the Big 12 season. The Holy War resumes at Rice-Eccles Stadium, where #9 BYU will face #3 Utah.
The Cougars arrive with a 7-1 overall record and a 4-1 mark in Big 12 play, while the unbeaten Utes are 8-0 overall and 5-0 in conference play. Utah will aim to preserve its perfect season and strengthen its standing in the playoff race. BYU, in turn, can deliver its rival’s first defeat and improve its own chances of reaching the Big 12 Championship. How do our #9 BYU vs. #3 Utah picks have this one playing out?
#9 BYU vs. #3 Utah Predictions for CFB Week 10, Saturday, 11/7
Both teams enter the matchup ranked among the nation’s top 10 and bring considerable offensive talent. Yet, our #9 BYU vs. #3 Utah predictions have to mention the fact that the rivalry has often produced more lower-scoring contests than the averages would indicate.
Meetings between these programs have often become physical, defense-oriented contests, and there’s little reason to assume that this matchup will be different simply because both teams are enjoying strong seasons offensively. So, our official #9 BYU vs. #3 Utah picks are…
#9 BYU vs. #3 Utah Expert Pick: Under 48.5 (50% at Novig)
At first glance, our #9 BYU vs. #3 Utah predictions backing the Under may seem counterintuitive: Utah is averaging 38.9 points per game, and BYU has scored more than 32 per contest. Both offenses have been productive throughout the season, but their scoring averages may not fully capture the distinctive character of this rivalry.
Recent history reinforces that caution. The Under has hit in each of the last three meetings, including BYU’s 24–21 victory last season. Although Utah had won nine consecutive games in the series before the Cougars ended that run, many of those contests were determined by defensive stops, field position, and a small number of decisive plays rather than sustained offensive production.
Utah has conceded just 15.9 points per game this season, sporting a defense that’s physical
at the line of scrimmage, effective at containing the run, and adept at making opponents earn every scoring opportunity. The Utes reinforced that reputation in their 49–25 win over Cincinnati, holding the Bearcats to 25 points while adding two defensive touchdowns of their own.
Although BYU’s offense has produced solid results, several factors suggest the Cougars may struggle to reach their usual scoring level. Running back LJ Martin has missed the past four games, which has also coincided with a decline in BYU’s rushing production. That downturn was especially evident last week, when the Cougars managed only 47 rushing yards against Arizona State.
Martin’s possible return is a significant storyline, but his availability wouldn’t necessarily guarantee an immediate return to form. Having him back would give quarterback Bear Bachmeier valuable support and restore another dimension to the offense. Nevertheless, expecting Martin to make an immediate impact against Utah’s defense may be unrealistic, particularly after his extended absence.
Utah has more than enough offensive firepower to put points on the board. Quarterback Devon Dampier has been excellent, combining touchdown production through the air with a dangerous running threat. Over his last four games, he’s accounted for 12 total touchdowns while throwing just one interception, and the Utes enter this matchup after scoring 49 points against Cincinnati.
Still, BYU’s defense shouldn’t be taken lightly. The Cougars concede just 18.8 points per game and rank among the nation’s stronger units in total defense. They’re particularly effective against the run, allowing only 100 rushing yards per game.
When glossing over the latest #9 BYU vs. #3 Utah odds, the total offers a more attractive angle than the spread in my opinion. Both teams boast impressive offenses, but rivalry games often become more physical and deliberate, with sustained drives and red-zone execution taking precedence over explosive scoring.
A total of 48.5 leaves room for both offenses to contribute without requiring a defensive shutout. A final score in the low-to-mid 40s seems plausible given the history between these programs and the strength of their defenses, making the under our favorite play in this one.
How To Watch #9 BYU vs. #3 Utah CFB Week 10
- Date: Saturday, November 7th
- Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT
- TV: ABC
#9 BYU vs. #3 Utah Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines
With our #9 BYU vs. #3 Utah predictions out of the way ahead of this highly anticipated matchup, we examine Novig’s latest #9 BYU vs. #3 Utah odds for the thrilling contest:
- Money Line (ML): Cougars 38% | Utes 63%
- Spread: Cougars +4.5 (52%) | Utes -4.5 (50%)
- Over/Under (O/U): 48.5 (O: 51% | U: 50%)
#9 BYU vs. #3 Utah Injury Report & Latest News
BYU Injury Report
- J. Nye, TE - Questionable (Undisclosed)
- A. Gentry, OG - Questionable (Undisclosed)
- B. Laga, K - Questionable (Undisclosed)
- L. Martin, RB - Out (Ankle)
- S. Moa, RB - Out (Undisclosed)
Utah Injury Report
- J. Hart, CB - Questionable (Undisclosed)
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