A disappointing loss at home to Texas Tech put a damper on Utah’s quest for a Big 12 title. Now, the Utes will need every win they can get for a shot at postseason play.
That means taking care of business today on the road at Morgantown. West Virginia has not gotten off to a great start, going 2-2. Last week’s 41-10 defeat vs. Kansas has raised questions about the direction of this program. A victory today would go a long way in restoring hope among the Mountaineer faithful. Below is my prediction and pick for College Football Week 5’s game between the Utah Utes and the West Virginia Mountaineers.
Utah enters this contest as 12.5-point favorites (-112) over West Virginia, with the over/under set at 47.5 points on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Utah vs. West Virginia prediction, preview
Like always, Utah’s bread and butter is on defense. The Utes are holding opponents to 16.7 points and 311.0 total yards per game. Both of those marks rank among the upper half of the Big 12 conference. That’s what made Week 4’s 34-10 loss to Tech so surprising. The Red Raiders looked comfortable all day on offense despite losing their starting quarterback. Regardless, Utah has an extensive track record of stifling offenses. Until proven otherwise, this unit should be given the benefit of the doubt against most teams.
West Virginia doesn’t look like a group that would give the Utes trouble. The team’s offense has been inconsistent, at best. WVU has scored under 20 points in half of its games. If not for a 43-point showing vs. Robert Morris, the program’s season-long numbers would look a lot worse. Only putting up 17 points vs. Ohio, a school not known for its defense, doesn’t inspire much confidence. A season-ending injury to running back Jahiem White (knee) has also left the Mountaineers without one of their best playmakers. Quarterback Nicco Marchiol has been mediocre thus far (720 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT).
If West Virginia is going to stay in this game, it’ll take a stellar effort on defense. Utah’s offense ranks fourth in the Big 12 with 1,814 total yards. Devon Dampier already looks like one of the nation’s premier dual-threat quarterbacks. Through the air, the junior has thrown for 790 yards and seven touchdowns on a stellar 70.9% completion percentage. In addition, he’s gained 225 yards on the ground through four games. Running backs Wayshawn Parker and NaQuari Rogers have created a formidable Utes backfield, as well.
Utah vs. West Virginia pick, best bet
Even at home, it would be betting malpractice to take West Virginia. Utah, for all its flaws, is the more well-rounded team with better play under center. Still, there’s a chance the Mountaineers manage to keep things close. After all, WVU did earn an upset over favored Pittsburgh in Week 2. A lengthy road trip for the Utes could create some issues, especially on offense. Expect points to be at a premium in this Big 12 showdown.
