A non-conference battle features the Baylor Bears (0-1) and the No. 12 Utah Utes (1-0) colliding on Saturday. The Bears are looking to rebound at home after a disappointing loss to Texas State last week. In 2022, Baylor went 3-3 at McLane Stadium. Last season, Utah also produced a 3-3 road record. Baylor quarterback Blake Shapen (MCL) is out for this game. Utah quarterback Cameron Rising (ACL) will reportedly miss his second straight game, though Bryson Barnes and Nate Johnson both impressed in last week's win over Florida.
Kickoff from McLane Stadium in Waco is set for noon ET. The Utes are 7-point favorites in the Utah vs. Baylor odds via SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points is down to 45 after opening at 50.5. Before making any Baylor vs. Utah picks, be sure to check out the college football predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's proven computer model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every FBS college football game 10,000 times. The proprietary computer model is off to a fast 4-2 start on all-top rated college football picks this season. Since its inception, it has generated a stunning profit of more than $2,500 for $100 players on its top-rated college football picks against the spread. Anyone who has followed it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Utah vs. Baylor and just revealed its picks and predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see the model's CFB picks. Here are several college football odds and trends for Baylor vs. Utah:
- Utah vs. Baylor spread: Utes -7
- Utah vs. Baylor over/under: 45 points
- Utah vs. Baylor money line: Utes -298, Bears +239
- UTAH: Covered as a 5.5-point favorite in Week 1 vs. Florida
- BAY: Lost outright as a 27.5-point and -3923 money-line favorite in Week 1 vs. Texas State
- Utah vs. Baylor picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why Utah can cover
Utah's defense was flying to the ball in the win over Florida last week. The Utes racked up seven tackles for loss, five sacks and forced the Gators to go 1-13 on third down. Junior safety Cole Bishop is an excellent run defender who quickly diagnoses plays due to his high IQ. In Week 1, Bishop was first on the team in total tackles (11) with one sack and one forced fumble.
Junior defensive end Jonah Elliss gives the defensive front an athletic edge rusher. Elliss has the ability to quickly shed blocks and has sound play recognition skills. The Idaho native had four tackles and a team-best two sacks. Junior linebacker Levani Damuni is an instinctive defender on the second level. The Stanford transfer recorded 75 total tackles in two consecutive seasons. In the loss to Texas State, Damuni had eight total tackles. See which team to pick at SportsLine.
Why Baylor can cover
The Bears' offense has plenty of reliable pass-catchers who can help quarterback Sawyer Robertson. In last week's contest, they had four players log at least 70 receiving yards. Sophomore receiver Jonah Burton has impressive deep speed and runs solid routes that create separation. In Week 1, Burton notched five catches for 88 yards to average 17.6 yards per reception.
Junior receiver Hal Presley (6-foot-2) gives the Bears a valuable big weapon who wins contested catches. Presley put up four catches with 83 yards in his last outing. Junior receiver Ketron Jackson Jr. has great long speed and a big catch radius. Jackson Jr. reeled in a team-high six passes with 70 yards last week. This trio of receivers will look to continue their solid play and generate explosive plays. See which team to pick at SportsLine.
How to make Baylor vs. Utah picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the point total, projecting the teams to combine for 53 points. The model also says one side of the spread has all the value. You can see the model's pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Utah vs. Baylor, and which side of the spread has all the value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has notched a profit of almost $2,500 on its top-rated college football spread picks, and find out.
