Stanford Cardinal vs Utah Utes Point Spread Picks

Utah is 7-2 coming into this game losing to just Florida and UCLA. They have been playing under the line in their last 4 games going 1-3 ATS. This has not been a good season for Stanford at just 3-6. However, this line is really off. Stanford has not been an underdog of more than 17 points all season despite playing UCL, Oregon, Notre Dame, and USC. They actually beat Notre Dame on the road and lost to the other 3 by an average of 18 PPG. Utah has a big game on deck with Oregon and I don't see the "A" game arriving for this one. Make the play on Stanford.

Utah still has the #4 defense in the country in yards allowed even after its loss at Washington State and the Utes have stayed UNDER two of their three games against FBS schools this season. Utah allows only 268.5 yards per game and 16.3 points and it catches Stanford in a tough scheduling situation as the Cardinal traveled to South Bend and lost to Notre Dame following an emotional overtime win over Oregon the week before. Stanford managed only three points in the second half against the Irish and KJ Costello was 15-of-27 for 174 yards with a touchdown and interception. The Cardinal defense was torched for 550 total yards by the Irish offense and Ian Book had a field day completing 24-of-33 passes for 278 yards and four TD passes with no picks.  Utah doesn't have an explosive offense, but it has a good opportunity in this situation to score enough to get a win. Also, the Utes are in revenge after losing a close one in last year's meeting as Stanford pulled out a 23-20 win at Salt Lake City. Star running back, Bryce Love, is questionable with an ankle injury and will probably be a game-time decision. This is a prime spot for the road underdog, so play Utah on the moneyline.

Stanford has the best kept secret in the FBS at this point, as many have not heard much about Stanford RB Bryce Love. Love has been unstoppable, and has already gained 1,088 yards on just 98 carries, which is a ridiculous 11.1 yards per carry. Utah has a very strong defense, and has allowed opponents just 88 yards per game. Stanford does not have much of a passing game, so the Utes are likely to stack the box to defend Love, and the clock is going to be marching in this one as both teams feature a good ground game, but at the same time, defend the run well. Utes are surrendering just 17.2 points per game on the season. With the ball on the ground a lot and the clock ticking, I see a quick game. Back the UNDER.

The Utah Utes are one of the most improved teams in the country. They looked to be on their way to giving Oregon everything they could handle. Already leading 7-0, they threw an apparent 80 yard TD pass, but the player tossed the ball down before crossing the goal line. The ball was picked up by Oregon, and carried over 100 yards for a TD. A 14-0 lead and momentum turned into a 7-7 tie, and all the momentum was gone. They will go from taking on one of the best offenses to taking on one of the best defenses. The problem for Stanford is offense. They are 5-4 with one of the nation's best defenses, but it is because their offense has scored 20 points or less in five games, and they will struggle to get there in this one. Utah has not allowed more than 28 points to anyone until Oregon last week, but the Ducks also exposed Stanford. I don't see either team pulling away in this one, and it should be a one score game. Utah is 5-0 ATS in their last five vs. a team with a winning home record, and 7-1 ATS in their last eight anywhere vs. a winning team. Grab the points and play on Utah.