San Jose State Spartans vs Utah Utes Point Spread Picks

A young San Jose State team (2-1 ATS) has scored 56 points in three games, despite getting shut out by Texas last week. San Jose is facing its second nationally ranked opponent in four weeks after opening the season with a 42-22 loss to then #21 South Florida. San Jose State is 39-22 ATS after allowing 42+ points the previous game. Utah has a new starting quarterback in sophomore Tyler Huntley and this is a sandwich spot for the Utes: they played at BYU last week, a 19-13 win, and have a road game at Arizona of the Pac 12 on deck. Utah has failed to cover five of its last seven home contests against teams with losing road marks. Utah beat San Jose 34-17 a year ago and this betting number is too high. Play San Jose State.

Utah comes off a 20-19 win over rival BYU after shutting out Southern Utah 24-0.  Utah stopped Cougar quarterback Taysom Hill on a two-point conversion with 18 seconds left to escape with the victory. The teams combined for nine turnovers and each QB threw three interceptions. Utah also lost three fumbles and still won the game.  The Utes are allowing just 243 total yards per game with a much-improved defense that returns eight starters from a year ago.  Obviously, the offense still is a work in progress.  Starting running back Joe Williams retired from football this week after rushing 22 times for 81 yards and no touchdowns and two fumbles in his team's first two games. True freshman Zack Moss will probably start after gaining 62 yards on 12 carries against BYU.  Troy Williams is 34 of 58 for 466 yards with those three picks as he replaces four-year starter Travis Wilson.  San Jose State lost its opener 45-10 to Tulsa before beating Portland State.  The Spartans appear to be one of those teams that can rack up the points against FCS squads but then it's a different story when then step up in class.  San Jose gained only 53 yards on 1.7 yards per carry against Tulsa and QB Kenny Potter was 16 of 28 for 234 yards and a touchdown and interception.  San Jose State has gone UNDER four of its last five after a win and Utah has stayed UNDER in 12 of its last 17 after an ATS loss.  Play the UNDER.