Pac-12 Week 4 Best Bets: Back Underdogs in Top-25 Clashes

UCLA Visits Battered Utah

Despite injuries, No. 11 Utah sits at 3-0 while going 1-1-1 against the spread (ATS). The Utes have their toughest challenge yet, as they play host to No. 22 UCLA (3-0). NCAA Football odds have tabbed Utah as a 4½-point favorite.

The Utes have been ravaged by injuries. Quarterback Cam Rising and tight end Brant Kuithe have yet to make their season debuts. There’s a “belief” that Rising could make his debut on Saturday. Coach Kyle Whittingham gave an update on the status of Rising.

Utah HC, Kyle Whittingham told me their medical staff will make a decision on Thursday on Cam Rising’s potential return at QB vs UCLA. “He has been a full participant in practice for the last week w/ no contact on any of the QB’s of course. We will know Thursday if he can play.”

— Ian Fitzsimmons (@Ianfitzespn) September 19, 2023

Even if Rising returns, Utah will still not be at full strength. Meanwhile, the Bruins come off back-to-back covers ATS. UCLA is a favorable point spread pick, but I’ll take it a step further. Take the Bruins to win outright.

I love what I’ve seen out of true freshman quarterback Dante Moore. He’s been extremely efficient in every outing. For example, Moore posted 290 passing yards and three touchdowns in Week 2. This top-25 matchup could be Moore’s coming-out party. The Utes rank 106th in allowed passing yards per game.

College Football Pick: No. 22 UCLA ML (+170)

Thriving QBs Have Favorable Matchups

No. 14 Oregon State (3-0) vs. No. 21 Washington State (3-0) is another Top-25 matchup on the Pac-12 slate. College football lines have the Beavers as three-point favorites on the road. The projected total of 56½ looks like the best college football picks, though.

The over is 2-1 for both teams this season. The Cougars feature an explosive passing attack, ranking fifth in yards per game. Oregon State is 29th in passing yards per game. Plus, both defenses rank in the bottom half of allowed passing yards per game.

Quarterbacks DJ Uiagalelei and Cameron Ward have thrived through three games. Both will have favorable matchups against susceptible passing defenses. The over feels like a no-brainer.

College Football Pick: No. 14 Oregon State, No. 21 Washington State Over 58½ (-110)

Colorado Big Underdogs On the Road

Since Colorado’s win over TCU in Week 1, bettors have constantly backed the Buffaloes. They were burned for the first time in Week 3, as Colorado won 43-35 against Colorado State. The Buffs were 22½-point favorites.

Betting on Colorado every week will lead to losses. However, vegas college football odds have No. 10 Oregon favored by 20½ points. Sure, the Buffaloes didn’t look great in Week 3, especially on defense. Still, this point spread seems harsh.

Two-way star Travis Hunter will be out for Saturday’s Top-25 clash. While the loss on defense is certainly concerning, the offense can still put up points in bulk. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders comes off another exceptional performance. NCAA odds have Sanders at +1800 to win the Heisman Trophy.

Shedeur Sanders to Jimmy Horn jr for TD 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/kRAbOpVwze

— Shannonnn sharpes Burner (PARODY Account) (@shannonsharpeee) September 17, 2023

Colorado also has a strong receiving corps that can produce without Hunter. Xavier Weaver is averaging 128.7 yards, and Jimmy Horn Jr. is a constant big-play threat with his game-breaking speed.

Oregon ranks outside the top 50 in pass defense. The Buffs’ offense will perform, leading to a cover.

College Football Pick: No. 19 Colorado +20½ (-110)