Range – Last Updated on September 16, 2022 9:54 pm
Free NCAA Football Prediction: Aztecs vs. Utes Odds
Looking for San Diego State Aztecs vs. Utah Utes free picks? College football betting sees the Aztecs taking on the Utes on Saturday, September 17th at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, UT. Cappers Picks provides complimentary handicapping picks all NCAA football season long so stay tuned for more FREE college football game Week 3 predictions like this SDSU-Utah free pick.
College Football Handicapping Analysis: Week 3
(1-1) San Diego State Aztecs vs. Utah Utes (1-1)
Date: Saturday, September 17th, 2022
Time: 10:00 pm EST
Venue: Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah
NCAA Football ATS Spread Odds: SDSU +21.5 | UTAH -21.5 (Bet Now!)
NCAA Football Moneyline Odds: Aztecs –225 | Utes +180
NCAA Betting Total Odds: O/U 50.5
The San Diego State Aztecs will travel to Salt Lake City and take on the Utah Utes from Rice-Eccles Stadium this Saturday night on ESPN2. The Utes will open as huge 21-point favorites at home, with the total opening at 49.5.
The Utah and San Diego State matchup was a staple in both the Mountain West and WAC for 30 years, providing competitive football nearly every time out. The Utes lead the all-time series after winning the last five conference matchups, but the Aztecs did break that streak last season with a 33-31 win in San Diego.
San Diego State Aztecs
San Diego State comes into an interesting spot, with a lot of points on their side. The opportunity to spoil a former conference rival’s CFB Playoff hopes should provide a lot of motivation as well. The Aztecs bounced back from a season opening loss to Arizona last weekend in their home opener.
Last week, SDSU defeated Idaho State, 38-7, just missing the 33-point spread.
Braxton Burmeister will make his third start for the Aztecs here. The Virginia Tech transfer struggled against Arizona in the opener, but displayed solid dual-threat ability in the win over Idaho State. Burmeister totaled 188 yards (108 pass, 80 rush), and scored through the air and on the ground. He’s a seasoned vet, but he’ll have to bring more to the table against the Utes.
Brady Hoke really emphasizes running the football, and it’s showed, as the Aztecs ranked 10th in country in rushing (275.0). SDSU has given four backs touches within the first few games, but they’ve clearly missed Greg Bell’s bellcow presence. Cam Davis leads the team in carries with 17, and he scored in the win over Idaho State.
Tyrell Shavers and senior wideout Jesse Matthews serve as the primary pass catchers for Burmeister. Matthews has two seasons of 45 catches or more, and Shavers scored twice last weekend.
Utah Utes
Utah played very well on the road against Florida and despite falling, they still remain one of the most sound teams in the nation, on both sides of the ball. The Utes responded abruptly in their home opener last weekend.
Last week, Utah blew out Southern Utah at home, 73-7, conquering the massive 44-point margin.
Cam Rising nearly led the Utes to a comeback victory over San Diego State in last season’s matchup and never looked back. The junior quarterback is off to another strong start this season, performing well in the Swamp against Florida in the opener, before following it up with a three-touchdown performance against Southern Utah.
Rising is up to 470 passing yards, with four touchdowns to one interception on the season, while adding 86 yards on the ground.
Tavion Thomas and Micah Bernard returned in the backfield after strong seasons in 2021. Thomas gained 115 yards in opener against Florida, and scored twice last weekend. Bernard found the endzone against the Gators and gained 74 yards on five touches against Southern Utah
No one embraces and emphasizes the tight end position like Utah. Brant Kuithe and Dalton Kincaid represent the best tight end tandem in college football in the nation, and Cam Rising has put them on display early. Kuithe had an outstanding performance against Florida, catching nine passes for 105 receiving yards and a touchdown. Kincaid got off in last weekend’s win for seven catches, 107 yards, and two touchdowns.
Revenge is a dish best served, and after having their CFB Playoff push altered early by the Aztecs last season, Utah will have plenty of motivation. The margin is kind of massive, but the Utes will have advantages on both sides of the ball.
NCAA Football Handicapping Trends
- SDSU are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
- Utah are 3-3 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
- Aztecs are 3-5 ATS in their last 8 road games.
- Utes are 3-5 ATS in their last 8 home games.
Free Week 3 NCAA Football Final Analysis:
Spotting Brady Hoke the points here feels really tempting, but the Utes have distinct advantages on both sides of the ball. While SDSU has looked bland offensively, this remains a sound unit capable of containing Utah, and preventing a blowout. Last year this contest delivered a classic battle and this year has a chance to do the same, it’s just very hard to trust this San Diego State offense on the road right now.
This should be a physical contest with a lot of rushing and punting, take the under for this non-conference battle.
4* Free Week 3 NCAA Betting Pick: Under 48.5
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