This one opened up with the Utah Utes laying just a field goal on the road, and over the summer was bet as high as -6.5. With the number dropping back down to -5.5, I have some interest in Kyle Whittingham and the Utes. The UCLA Bruins made a big offseason move by landing Nico Iamaleava from Tennessee, but I’m not a big believer in the rest of the UCLA roster, or the Bruins’ head coach.
Home underdogs are always of interest to me in the betting market, but UCLA has virtually no home field to speak of. I expect the Utes to actually have plenty of support in the stands for this one. This handicap is predominantly about Utah for me. The Utes went just 5-7 in 2024, but were playing with their hands tied behind their back on offense. Quarterback Cam Rising was injured once again, and Utah didn’t have any depth to turn to. To make matters worst, injuries to the skill position players and offensive line left Utah without many ways to score points.
This time around, Utah brings in Devon Dampier from New Mexico to play QB, along with his offensive coordinator. The Utes hit a complete reset at the skill positions, but bring in tons of talent. Maybe most importantly, Whittingham says this is his best offensive line to date, which is really saying something when you look at the units he’s had in past seasons.
I believe Utah will take a big step forward on offensive, and are always to trust defensively. UCLA lost its top two rushers and top three receivers from last season, so Iamaleava will be working with significantly less compared to his days as a Vol. Give me Utah to bounce back from last season in Week 1, and have a very solid season in the Big 12.
CFB Lean: Utah -5.5 (-110)
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