The Utah Utes maintained their perfect start to the season with a thrilling 31-27 victory over the USC Trojans on Friday night. The Utes scored 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to nab the comeback win and in the process improved their season-record to 4-0. The Utes have won their first four assignments by an average of 11.5 points.
Leading the way for Utah in this game was quarterback Troy Williams. He threw for 270 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another score in this come-from-behind win. Wide receiver Tim Patrick benefited from Williams’ strong play, finishing with 100 yards and a touchdown. It was Patrick’s third 100-yard receiving game of the season.
For the Utes to preserve their unbeaten record against the Golden Bears, they will need to continue their excellent play on the defensive end. Utah is 17th in the FBS in scoring defense, surrendering just 17.8 points per game this season. They will have their work cut out for them, however, against a California attack that’s averaging a whopping 45.5 points per contest this campaign, 11th in the FBS.
Utah is 7-3 SU and ATS in its last 10 road games. The Utes are pegged at +6,600to win the national championship this season.
The California Golden Bears were sent crashing back to earth on Saturday with a deflating 51-41 loss to the Arizona State Sun Devils. The Bears had an excellent opportunity to record their second straight victory, but several missed chances on the offensive end denied them a 3-1 overall slate. Quarterback Davis Webb was the main culprit for the Bears’ loss as he was picked off twice in the final three minutes. He now has thrown five interceptions this season.
For the Bears to return to winning ways against the Utes, they will need to get a huge performance from Chad Hansen. Hansen, who entered Saturday’s game as the nation’s leader in yards receiving and receptions, caught 10 passes for 110 yards for California. He struggled mightily, however, in the second half, catching only two passes for a measly six yards. The onus then is on Webb to give more touches to Hansen. Webb completed 32 of 56 passes for 478 yards and five touchdowns in the loss to Arizona State.
Webb and Hansen will need to be at their best, though, against Utah’s vaunted secondary. The Utes are 29th in the FBS in passing defense, allowing just 182.3 yards per game through the air this season. The Utes, for that matter, have conceded just two passing touchdowns this campaign.
California is 6-4 SU and 4-6 ATS in its last 10 home games. The Bears are pegged at +7,500to win the Pac-12 Championship Game.
Writer’s Prediction
The Bears (-2) hand the Utes their first loss of the season.
Create a betting account now and start cashing in on all of the on-going and upcoming action in the sporting world, especially in the new college football season.
