Utah Hosts BYU in Playoff Clash

The SportsLine projection model simulated the upcoming Big 12 matchup 10,000 times and landed on a combined total of 50 points. The computer places the Over on 49.5 points as the value side in 54% of those simulations. This prediction comes ahead of Saturday's noon ET kickoff at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, where the third-ranked Utah Utes host the ninth-ranked BYU Cougars.

Both teams entered Week 10 with strong recent performances. Utah defeated Cincinnati 49-25 in its previous contest, while BYU beat Arizona State 27-20. The Utes currently hold the first position in the Big 12 with an 8-0 record, including 5-0 at home. BYU sits second in the conference at 7-1, with a 2-1 mark on the road.

Utah leads the all-time series 59-34-4, but BYU has won the last three meetings. The Cougars defeated the Utes 24-21 in the previous season's game. Betting markets list Utah as 4.5-point favorites for this contest. The model identifies the over as the primary play because the total has been exceeded in each of BYU's last three games and in six of Utah's last ten.

Scoring output supports the high total. The Utes average 38.9 points per game, ranking second in the Big 12. BYU averages 32.4 points per game, placing it eighth in the conference. The projection model expects BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier to throw for 220 yards and one touchdown. He has accumulated 1,750 passing yards and 12 touchdowns against four interceptions this season.

Utah quarterback Devon Dampier is projected to surpass 230 passing yards and two touchdowns. Dampier has thrown for 1,876 yards and 18 touchdowns while surrendering seven interceptions. The SportsLine model, which is on an 80-77 run with top-rated college football picks, also indicates that one side of the point spread hits in more than 60% of the simulations. That specific pick is available through the SportsLine service.