NCAAF Week 9: Oregon Ducks vs. Utah Utes betting picks, preview

Washington is the lone undefeated team in the Pac-12, but are we sure Utah is not the best team in the league? I'm not, which is why this game is going to be a good one. Oregon is in a do-or-die spot with one league loss already, yet a win on the road suddenly puts them back into College Football Playoffs consideration. There are lots of fun narratives here. 

Oregon Ducks vs. Utah Utes Betting Trends and Odds 

Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023 — 3:30 p.m. ET

Odds: Oregon -6.5, Over/under 47.5, Oregon -238 | Utah +195

I know Oregon is a good team, but this line is pretty disrespectful to the home side. Utah is not perfect, but they are a perfect 4-0 at home and 3-0 SUATS at home against league opponents this season. They also have revenge on their side having lost to Oregon 20-17 last season. There is going to be some energy in Salt Lake City on Saturday afternoon. 

Pick for Oregon vs. Utah

Oregon +6.5

I guess when I said the line was disrespectful it was obvious which way I was leaning with this pick. For starters, the location of the game is a major advantage for Utah (though I wish the game was at night too). The Utes are strong on defense and even though top quarterback Cam Rising is out for the season they have proven they can rise above that. They are getting really strong quarterback play (albeit from players we are not familiar with). The same goes for "do everything" Sione Vaki. He is playing safety and running back and killing it (Utah just makes it work). Look for a game where Utah executes well, meaning they do not have to take big chances or play much from behind. Oregon is no slouch either of course, they are going to have some success and be competitive throughout. This one is all about the number. I just don't see the Ducks as a touchdown better than Utah, certainly not on the road. 

A home underdog always gets attention, and in this case, we have a perfect teaser spot because you can drag it through the 7. I like Utah at the current number but even more, if we can get that extra half-point.