The No. 16 Houston Cougars (6-1, 3-1 Big 12) and No. 9 Utah Utes (6-0, 3-0) square off Saturday in a Big 12 showdown at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah. Kickoff is set for 10:15 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let's analyze college football odds around the Houston at Utah odds and make our expert college football picks and predictions for the best bets.
Houston QB Conner Weigman threw a career-high 5 TD passes as the Cougars outlasted visiting Oklahoma State (+3.5) 35-32 (Over 62) last Saturday. Weigman completed 24 of 33 passes for 343 yards with 1 INT and also ran for 52 yards. His favorite targets were WR Amare Thomas (7 catches, 126 yards 2 TDs) and WR Trent Walker (7, 104, 1). Oklahoma State QB Drew Mestemaker had himself a game as well, completing
22 of 34 for 365 and 3 TDs with 1 INT in a losing effort.
Colorado's Hail Mary attempt came up empty as visiting Utah escaped with a 27-24 (Over 49.5) victory over the Buffaloes (+14.5) for their 12th straight win, the longest current winning streak in the FBS. Utah QB Devon Dampier completed 24 of 41 passes for 278 yards and 3 TDs, but also threw 2 INTs. Utah WR Braden Pegan caught 8 passes for 86 yards and 2 TDs, while RB Wayshawn Parker led the rushing attack with 98 yards on 23 carries.
Houston is 5-0 against Utah, though 4 of those victories took place before 1979. Most recently, the teams met on Oct. 26, 2024, with Houston prevailing 17-14 at home.
– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports
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Houston at Utah odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:15 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Houston +210 (bet $100 to win $210) | Utah -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Houston +7 (-115) | Utah -7 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 57.5 (O: -110 | U: -108)
Houston at Utah picks and predictions
Prediction
Houston 31, Utah 30
Moneyline
PASS.
Up to this point, Houston has had the more challenging schedule, with their lone loss at Texas Tech by 2 points. Houston will mark Utah's first game against a top 25 team this season.
I think Houston can pull off the road upset, but taking the points is the safer bet.
Against the spread
BET HOUSTON +7 (-115).
Offensively, these two are essentially the same team. Utah is first in the Big 12 in scoring offense (40.2 points per game), Houston is second (39.3 PPG). Utah is third in total offense (486.5 yards per game), Houston is fourth (485.1 YPG). Houston is fourth in rushing offense (220.3 YPG), Utah is fifth (220.2 YPG). Utah is sixth in passing offense (266.3 YPG), Houston is seventh (264.9 YPG).
Utah has the better metrics on defense, but they've also had the easier schedule of the two teams. This one should go down to the wire.
Over/Under
BET OVER 57.5 (-110).
I feel bad for the defenses as I'm expecting an offensive shootout between these teams on Saturday night.
Best Prop Bet
BET BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE 14+ POINTS 1ST HALF (+188)
Houston has scored at least 14 points in the first half of 6 of its 7 games, while last week's game against Colorado was the first time Utah hadn't scored at least 14 first-half points.
Betting odds calculator
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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Houston Cougars at Utah Utes odds, picks and predictions
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