No Offense: Under Top Bet for Arizona State vs Utah
Pac-12 play will continue this week with No.18 Utah hosting Arizona State. Both teams have unreliable offenses, which could make the spread for this game a questionable option for college football hot picks for today but give the point total some value.
The Sun Devils ended a six-game losing streak last week, finding some success on the ground in beating Washington State 38-27. On the other hand, the Utes were completely dominated by Oregon, losing 35-6 and never fully getting into a rhythm.
Arizona State Ends Losing Streak
Last week was a big win for Arizona State. The Sun Devils had won the opening game of the season but had lost the next six and were winless in conference play. Getting that should not drastically change the team’s college football odds, but it does show a sign of progress.
.@ASUFootball RB Cameron Skattebo (@camskattebo5) clocked a max speed of 20.3 mph on this play. #ReelSpeed #ForksUp
🔗 https://t.co/UFKB2eWAzC pic.twitter.com/zRJv4N77U8
— Reel Analytics (@RAanalytics) October 31, 2023
Arizona State found a lot of success running the ball last week, getting big games from Cameron Skattebo and DeCarlos Brooks. Skattebo, who has been the Sun Devils’ lead back this season, rushed for 121 yards and a score on 11 carries. Brooks had a breakout game, getting 11 carries for a season high in yards (67) with his first touchdown, finishing the game with three.
If Arizona State can once again get its running game going, it could shift some college football spreads. However, Utah has the second-best run defense in the Pac-12, allowing 86 yards per game on the ground. While Utah did struggle last week against Oregon to contain the run, giving up 142 rushing yards, the defense had a lot more to deal with than what the Sun Devils can offer offensively.
Sun Devils quarterback Trenton Bourguet did have a decent game last week, completing 19 of 26 passes for 274 yards. On the other hand, his touchdown-to-interception ratio on the season is 1-3, hardly something to get behind. Utah has one of the top defenses in the Pac-12, and it will be hard for Bourguet to succeed without a lot of help from the running backs.
Utah’s Offense Is Concerning
Oddly enough, there might be fewer questions about Arizona State’s offense than there are with Utah’s. Last week, the Utes were held to just six points, all from field goals in the first half, while only managing 241 yards (99 rushing). Yes, the Oregon defense is good, but Utah was thoroughly dominated. The offensive concerns will be an issue for college football picks.
All season, Utah has relied on its running game to move the ball. Within the Pac-12, the Utes averaged the fifth-most rushing yards per game (172.8) but were held under 100 last week. Leading rusher Ja’Quinden Jackson had 12 carries for 37 yards. Backup Jaylon Glover was not much help either, with 39 yards on nine carries.
To make matters worse, Utah has no other option on offense. The Utes average the fewest passing yards per game in the Pac-12 (159.3), which was put on full display last week by Bryson Barnes. He completed 15 of 29 passes for 136 yards but also threw two interceptions, three in the previous two games. If Utah can’t find any success in the running game, the offense will not be able to move the ball.
Unluckily for the Utes, while Arizona State might not be a top team in the Pac-12, its defense has been solid. It has allowed the fourth fewest yards, fifth against the run, averaging 104.4 rushing yards per game. That has a chance to complicate college football lines.
Arizona State vs Utah Best Bet
Given how bad each team’s offense has been this season and how solid they have been on defense, the spread is a difficult bet to make. Utah is the better team and should win, but the offense can not be trusted.
That makes going with the total an excellent option for best college football bets. Both defenses have a chance to take away the running game, leading to very little offense happening.
College Football Best Bet: Under 40 (-110)
Arizona State vs Utah Betting Lines
Arizona State vs Utah Game Information
- Game: Arizona State (2-6) vs Utah (6-2)
- Location: Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT
- Day/Time: Saturday, Nov. 4, 2:00 p.m. ET
- Arizona State vs Utah Live Stream: ESPN
Questions Of The Day
What is the best value bet for the Arizona State vs Utah game?
With the spread being a hard pick, the point total in this game could be a much easier option. Arizona State and Utah have two solid defenses and weak offenses, potentially leading to a low-scoring game.
Which Arizona State vs Utah player prop bet offers the most value?
Arizona State running black Cameron Skattebo has rushed for a touchdown in every game this season but one. While Arizona State might not win, he will probably be the player getting in the end zone.
