Following a dramatic win over USC, Utah controls its own destiny as it looks to make it back to the Pac-12 Championship game for the fifth time in six years. Oregon remains alive after pulling away from Washington State.
Last week’s wins set up a great showdown which was chosen as the ESPN College GameDay destination, and the site of Saturday's game may have the biggest impact on Oregon vs. Utah odds, props and predictions.
The Utes are 28-1 in Salt Lake City since losing to Washington early in 2018, and that lone loss came at the beginning of the COVID-shortened 2020 season. The home team in this series has won and covered in four straight matchups.
Utah dominated at Rice-Eccles Stadium in a 38-7 rout back in 2021, but lost last season’s contest in Oregon 20-17 despite rallying from a 14-point halftime deficit.
Betting odds for Oregon vs. Utah: Point spread, moneyline, total for CFB Week 9 tilt
Here are the latest college football betting odds for the Ducks vs. Utes:
Early betting pushed the line further in favor of Oregon, up from the 4.5 points where it opened. It also moved the total, which opened at 49.5.
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Oregon betting breakdown
Oregon (6-1, 5-1-1) bounced back from a rough loss in Seattle by defeating Washington State at home, starting slowly before surging ahead and taking control behind an unstoppable run game.
Although QB Bo Nix remains one of the nation’s most deserving Heisman Trophy candidates, a rushing attack led by Bucky Irving and Jordan James does serious damage behind a dominant offensive line.
The Ducks physically imposed their will against the Cougs, but failed to cover a spread for the first time in 2023 when they surrendered a last-minute touchdown in winning 38-24 on a rainy afternoon at Autzen Stadium.
Temperatures are going to be in the 40s at Rice-Eccles Stadium, so the Ducks are going to want to play power football behind their offensive line. Although they’re all banged up, Irving and James have practiced all week and will play.
The Ducks rank second in the nation in total offense and are sixth on the ground and eight through the air, amassing over 551 yards per game. As the weather gets cooler, the rushing attack is likely to increasingly become more of Oregon’s focal point.
Dan Lanning’s group produced just 59 rushing yards in last season’s win, but pulling off a road win is likely to require much more production.
On the defensive end, CB Khyree Jackson, a transfer from Alabama, is also banged up but should play against the Utes.
More CFB: Is Bo Nix a good longshot bet to win the Heisman Trophy?
Utah betting breakdown
Utah (6-1, 4-3) led for much of last weekend’s upset in L.A., never trailing until the 1:46 mark of the fourth quarter. Following a Caleb Williams’ TD run, there was just enough time left for Bryson Barnes to take the Utes down the field and set up a game-winning field goal, allowing head coach Kyle Whittingham to put an end to yet another USC national title bid.
The Utes won on the road, playing a backup quarterback who is a former walk-on while showcasing a safety turned two-way threat as a primary playmaker.
It remains to be seen whether there’s enough depth in the program to survive the absence of QB Cam Rising and one of the nation’s top tight ends in Brant Kuthie, neither of whom is expected back this season.
Sione Vaki continues to emerge as the answer to help spark the offense, continuing to thrive as a rusher and receiving threat out of the backfield while even lining up as a wildcat QB. His size and athleticism, combined with RB Ja’Quinden Jackson getting closer to 100 percent, has provided Utah with a huge boost over the past few weeks.
Vaki will continue playing safety but is slowly transitioning to being exclusively part of the offense since Utah fears he may wear down if he continues participating on both sides of the ball.
LB Lander Barton, a sophomore who was one of the Pac-12’s top newcomers last season and ranked second on the team in tackles, has been lost for the season after suffering an injury against USC.
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Oregon vs. Utah prop picks
- Oregon WR Tez Johnson OVER 44.5 receiving yards (-114)
- Oregon RB Bucky Irving UNDER 79.5 rushing yards (-114)
Although Troy Franklin is Nix’s top target and the most electric receiver on the Ducks roster, there’s plenty of familiarity with Johnson, who often is the first option since Franklin draws double teams are coverages shaded his way.
Johnson had a team-high six catches for 94 yards against Washington State and has topped 44.5 receiving yards in four consecutive games. He’s made 13 catches in the last two weeks against the Washington schools.
Irving ran for 129 yards last week vs. WSU after breaking off 127 in Seattle against the Huskies, but he was banged up against the Cougars and will have to share a little more of the workload this week against a physical run defense. Ride the under on Irving getting to 80 yards.
Oregon vs. Utah pick ATS
USC’s defensive deficiencies were on full display last week, allowing Barnes to put together one of his sharpest performances. He struggles when pressured and figures to see a lot of different looks from a unit that has already dealt with the likes of Shedeur Sanders, Michael Penix and Cam Ward.
Barnes has overperformed thus far but has accuracy issues when thrown off his rhythm, which should be a point of emphasis for the Ducks defense as they look to avoid what would be their first road losing streak since 2020.
With a healthier group in place, look for the visitors to handle business in Salt Lake City.
Pick: Oregon
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