Utah vs. Baylor Prediction, Pick Against the Spread, and Latest Odds
The Utah Utes face the Baylor Bears in College Football Week 2. Who has the edge? Matt McCuen provides his Utah vs. Baylor prediction, pick against the spread, and the latest odds ahead of Saturday's early afternoon game.
Matt McCuen - September 9, 2023, 8:00 AM EDT
7 minUtah vs. Baylor Prediction, Pick Against the Spread, and Latest Odds
The Utah Utes and the Baylor Bears will meet up from Waco, Texas, on Saturday afternoon. The Utes took care of business on the road in week one as they took down the Florida Gators 24-11.
Utah vs. Baylor Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: September 9, 2023
- Game Time: 12:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN
Utah vs. Baylor Odds
- Spread: Utah -7.5 (-105), Baylor +7.5 (-110)
- Total Odds: O/U 47 (-110), U 56.5 (-108)
- Moneyline Odds: Utah (-270), Baylor (+245)
Utah vs. Baylor Prediction
Utah began the year ranked 14th in the nation. This team reached the Rose Bowl a season ago, and they feel they have enough talent to reach the College Football Playoffs.
Backup Quarterback Bryson Barnes started in week one as starter Cam Rising continues to recover from injury. Barnes was solid in the win, going 12/18 while throwing for 159 yards and one touchdown.
The Utes strung together 105 rushing yards paired with two rushing touchdowns. Nate Johnson and Micah Benard led the team in rushing, rushing for 45 yards.
Money Parks led the team in receiving as his 70-yard touchdown catch on the first play of the game set the tone for the Utes on offense.
Utah proved how tough this defense will be this season. The Utes held down the Gators from the jump, particularly on the ground. Utah allowed Florida just 13 rushing yards. Florida did end the game with 366 yards, but much of that game was in the fourth quarter when Utah dropped into prevent defense.
Baylor was stunned at home in week one. Baylor was a 26.5-point favorite against Texas State and would go on to lose the game 42-31.
Baylor was unranked to begin the year but received votes in the pre-season polls.
It was hard to blame the Baylor offense, which strung together 31 points. Starting Quarterback Blake Shapen threw for 303 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for one touchdown.
Oklahoma State Transfer Dominic Richardson led the Bears in rushing yards with 79 on 16 attempts.
Drake Dabney led the team with a monster game. Dabney caught six passes for 101 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Sophomore Jonah Burton and Junior Hal Presley combined for 171 yards receiving.
Utah vs. Baylor Pick
This is the perfect buy-low spot for Baylor after a horrific showing in Week 1.
This line is inflated due to what we saw in Week 1 and the public's perception of Baylor. Yes, Week 1 matters, but Baylor will play much better with a chip on their shoulder in Week 2.
Rising has not been confirmed good to go. If Rising does not play, this is a Utah offense that does not strike fear into me. Utah struggled to move the ball versus a below-average Florida defense.
Lastly, over seventy percent of the public is backing the Utes, and I love a significant public fade.
Pick: Baylor +7.5 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
College Football Odds
