Utah Tech inchworms into Provo one week after top-ranked FCS program Montana State bludgeoned it to the tune of a 54-0 curbstomp. That’s the team headed on the road against 14th-ranked BYU, a whopping 51.5-point favorite at DraftKings. That spread is extraordinary, but Utah Tech’s completed game, small sample size though it may be, exposed some glaring underbellies many and strong enough to justify the number. Below is my preview, prediction, and pick for today’s college football game between the BYU Cougars and the Utah Tech Trailblazers.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
For easy access to tail my CFB picks swiftly, click here to join the CFB Committee Betting Group on DraftKings Sportsbook.
BYU vs. Utah Tech prediction, preview
The Trailblazers gained just 227 yards on 59 plays, an average of 3.8 per snap—against an FCS team. No offense to Montana State. They rushed for only 58 yards, converted a mere four of 13 third down, and failed to convert all three desperate fourth downs. Their quarterbacks—yes, they used two—threw two picks against zilcheroo touchdowns. One turnover resulted in an opponent touchdown. Oh—Montana State blocked a Utah Tech punt, too. So it’s not great in all three phases.
Those mistakes tell me BYU doesn’t need its starters for four quarters to create even a 50-burger margin. Short fields and non-offensive touchdowns being i play can keep the scoreboard kinetic even after the starters get yanked. For, crucially: Utah Tech also allowed 447 yards and possessed the ball for only 24:40 on the game clock. Montana State consequently had enough opportunities to score in every quarter. I imagine BYU will have even more.
Bear Bachmeier and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year LJ Martin are back from last year’s 12-2 campaign. The Cougars averaged 31.4 points and 6.0 yards per play with both guys at the helm. Their defense allowed a stout 19.1p/g. Both units boast proven major-conference efficiency into a matchup against a team that just proved it can get destroyed by a team far from major-conference quality.
Utah Tech vs. BYU pick, best bet
Bachmeier’s first college start explains why everyone’s so excited about him still: a 69-0 opener against Portland State. He accounted for five touchdowns before halftime, so BYU is fine to let its starters run up the board before substitutes, even if the score gets out of hand early. Martin can create early avalanches on the ground. Remeber: This Trailblazers front just allowed an FCS opponent to control possession and field position.
Sure, BYU HC Kalani Sitake has no reason to expose core players once the margin becomes insurmountable. All the same, I believe BYU’s reserves and Utah Tech’s top-down poor play answer that concern. Another shutout is 100% on the table, but even a Trailblazers field goal leaves room for the Cougars to cover without crossing 60 BYU points.
Best bet: BYU -51.5 (-110)
Projected score: BYU 59, Utah Tech 3
Best Bet: BYU 51.5 (-110) vs. Utah Tech
For easy access to tail my CFB picks swiftly, click here to join the CFB Committee Betting Group on DraftKings Sportsbook.
