Utah Utes vs. Baylor Bears 9/9/23 – As the college football season gathers momentum, fans and bettors alike are eyeing the upcoming showdown between the Utah Utes (1-0) and the Baylor Bears (0-1). With the game set for September 9th at 12:00 PM ET in McLane Stadium and broadcast on ESPN, this is a matchup that will have considerable ramifications on the rankings. Starting quarterbacks Bryson Barnes for Utah and Blake Shapen for Baylor will be under the spotlight in what promises to be a titanic clash. Top NCAAF picks are now available for this matchup.
Utah Utes vs. Baylor Bears
Date & Time: Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 12:00 PM ET
Location: McLane Stadium
TV: ESPN
Utah Utes vs. Baylor Bears 9/9/23 Betting Odds
| Moneyline | Spread | Total | |
| Utah | -270 | -7.5 (-110) | 47.5 over (-112) |
| Baylor | +230 | +7.5 (-110) | 47.5 under (-108) |
Utah Utes Analysis
The Utah Utes boast an offense that appears well-oiled and synchronic, particularly in their passing game. Quarterback Bryson Barnes seems comfortable in the pocket, as his 159.2 passer rating suggests. With a 66.7% completion rate on 18 passing attempts, Barnes looks like a quarterback who can make all the throws. But what’s particularly intriguing is his longest pass— a stunning 70-yard bomb. This displays not only his strong arm but also an offensive scheme that can stretch the defense and make them respect the deep ball.
Then there’s Money Parks, the wide receiver who is clearly a big-play threat. His only catch was that same 70-yard touchdown, which means the Utes are willing to use him as a game-breaker. His average of 70 yards per reception, albeit from a single game, implies he could be a game-changer as the season progresses.
The ground game for the Utes is another weapon in their arsenal, headlined by running back Micah Bernard. His 6.4 yards per rush are impressive and indicate that he can consistently get chunks of yardage. While the numbers might be from a small sample size, this is still an element that the Baylor Bears will have to prepare for.
Baylor Bears Analysis
On the other side, the Baylor Bears are led by quarterback Blake Shapen. Despite a disappointing opening loss, Shapen showed glimpses of brilliance, throwing for 303 yards with a completion rate of 67.7%. Even under duress, having been sacked twice, Shapen managed to keep his offense ticking, which speaks volumes about his resilience and field vision.
Dominic Richardson, the Baylor Bears’ running back, deserves a mention. With 79 rushing yards over 16 attempts, Richardson has shown he can be a workhorse back. His average of 4.9 yards per carry suggests that he might not be as explosive as his Utah counterpart, but he’s still effective and dependable.
Wide Receiver Jonah Burton has yet to find the end zone this season but has managed to make significant contributions to the offense. With 88 receiving yards over five receptions, Burton has proven to be a reliable target for Shapen. His 17.6 yards per catch suggest that he can make medium to long-range receptions, adding another layer to Baylor’s aerial assault.
Utah Utes vs. Baylor Bears Against the Spread
Utah Utes come into this game with a betting trend history that oozes confidence. They are 5-2 against the spread (ATS) in their last seven games, and that kind of consistency is what bettors like to see. Additionally, they are a staggering 11-3 in straight-up (SU) games, a record that solidifies them as a force to be reckoned with. Their previous games suggest a team that not only wins but wins convincingly.
Contrastingly, the Baylor Bears seem to be in a rut when looking at their recent betting trends. With a 1-4 record ATS in their last five games and an even more discouraging 0-5 SU in those matchups, one has to be cautious when putting their money on Baylor. However, they do have an intriguing trend; the total has gone OVER in 9 of their last 11 games, which suggests that while they may not always win, their games often turn into shootouts.
Utah Utes vs. Baylor Bears Free Pick
Based on our in-depth analysis, we recommend the following picks:
Moneyline: Utah -270
The Utah Utes’ impressive stats and performance give them an upper hand over a struggling Baylor.
Spread: Utah -7.5 (-110)
Given Utah’s solid performances and Baylor’s struggles, especially defensively, we’d take Utah to cover the spread at -7.5.
Total: 47.5 over (-112)
Both teams have trends that lean towards high-scoring games. We would pick the OVER at 47.5.
Prediction: 20-35 Utah Utes win
Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or new to the game, this matchup offers some enticing opportunities for profitable wagering. If you’re looking for an exciting weekend of college football action and a reliable sportsbook in Canada, this game should be on your radar.
