Utah vs Washington State Odds, Picks, Predictions (10/27/22)

Utah visits Washington State on Thursday after beating USC in an emotional game before their bye. Washington State is also coming off a bye and lost to Oregon State before the bye. This should be an interesting matchup on Thursday night. Let’s take a look at the odds and make some picks and predictions for this game!

Utah vs. Washington State Odds

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Utah is a 7.5-point road favorite while being at -320 on the money line. The over/under is also at 55.5. Utah had a bye to regroup after the big emotional win against USC, so it makes sense that they should be favored here after becoming factor again in the Pac-12 Championship race. Washington State has been inconsistent this year too. The over/under here also makes sense because these are both some of the better defenses in the Pac-12. This spread could also continue to move around a bit, so keep an eye on that.

Utah vs. Washington State Prediction & Pick

The pick: Utah -7.5

Utah seems to be back in the mix for the Pac-12 Championship and that emotional win against USC might have been the difference for the Utes this year. The concern with Utah is that the defense might not be on the level of where it should be and has been in the past. The offense is very good this year, so the script has almost been flipped that the offense for Utah has been the more dominant factor as compared to the defense. The offense has averaged 41 points and 473 total yards a game and that’s been due in large part to Cameron Rising at the quarterback position. The combination for both has been good for the Utes. Washington State has been disappointing so far this year, especially with the offense being underwhelming with Cameron Ward at quarterback, while the defense has been very good. They’ve been giving up 21 points and 367 total yards a game, which has been the biggest reason for them winning games so far. The biggest thing for Washington State in this game is that it’s a night game at home. Washington State has been a historical house of horrors for teams, so that’s also something to watch in this game for Utah. I like Utah to cover the spread here and stay in the Pac-12 Title conversation, even if they might be on the outside looking in.

Utah vs. Washington State Key Matchups

Can Washington State do anything to stop Cameron Rising? Will Cam Ward be able to expose the Utah defense?

Cam Rising vs the Washington State Secondary

Cam Rising has been very good this year and has just taken the baton and ran with it ever since he started last year. He has 1,855 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, and three interceptions on the year. He also has a 69% completion percentage on the year. His best game was the last game he played against USC when he threw for 415 passing yards and two touchdowns while also having a 68% completion percentage. Rising could have a field day in this game because the Cougars are giving up 244 passing yards a game. Cam Rising is the key for Utah and if Washington State can contain him then they have a very good chance here.

 Cam Ward vs the Utah Secondary

Cam Ward has been a little up and down for Washington State this year. He has 1,962 passing yards, 16 passing touchdowns, and eight interceptions on the year. He also has a 63% completion percentage on the year too. Maybe part of the reason for Ward underachieving a bit is that the expectations were very high when he transitioned from the FCS level to the FBS level. His best game was against Oregon where he threw for 375 passing yards, two touchdowns, and a 77% completion percentage. What’s left a little to be desired for Ward is the amount of turnovers he has. If Utah can contain Ward, then this game could get out of hand in favor of the Utes.