Utah vs. Washington Football Picks and NCAA Betting Odds

Utah Utes at Washington Huskies, Saturday November 2, 4 p.m. ET

The Utah Utes are in an odd position right now. They are absolutely rolling, ranked 10th nationally, and having outscored opponents a ridiculous 146-23 in their last four games. Yet, thanks to a very regrettable loss to a 5-3 USC team, they don't control their own destiny in the division. Only one of USC's losses have come in the conference, and if the teams wind up with the same record it will be USC who goes to the conference title game. All Utah can do is keep winning and hope that something changes in their favor at some point in November.

Washington was hoping that they, too, would be in a position to contend for conference titles this year as they transitioned between quarterbacks for the first time in four years. The quarterbacking hasn't been a problem, but the team just hasn't been good enough. They are just 2-3 in the PAC-12 and will be officially eliminated from division title contention with another loss - though they are all but done already. So, this is a massive game for Utah and really just another game in a mostly lost season for Washington. All the Huskies can really do is play spoiler. But do they have it in them?

Utah at Washington Betting Storylines

There are guys in college sports who feel like they are somehow in their 11th season. For me, Utah QB Tyler Huntley is one of those guys. He's a senior in his third full year of starting, and he just keeps getting better. This isn't an explosive passing offense by design, but what Huntley has done this year is to improve his efficiency to almost ninja-like levels. He is completing 73.1 percent of his passes and averaging 10.6 yards per attempt. You don't have to pass heavily to still do damage when you are that efficient. He has thrown 10 touchdowns, and just one pick, so far this year. When a quarterback doesn't make mistakes, he is dangerous.

Washington's Jacob Eason, who was actually in the same high school class as Huntley even though he has another year of eligibility because of the transfer redshirt last year, has also been very efficient for Washington. He has completed 67.4 percent of his passes this year for a still impressive 8.5 yards per attempt, and he has 16 touchdowns and just three picks. And he has passed for more yards than Huntley, too. It's an interesting QB battle between cerebral players who don't pile up big numbers but play the right way. But the challenge for Eason is that Utah is so good as forcing their opponents into one-dimensional play. Washington has a generally balanced offense, but the Utes have the top run defense in the country, allowing just 56.6 yards per game. You just can't run on them. And they aren't much fun to pass against, either, ranking 11th in yards allowed. Eason will have to try to find a way to get things done against the team, which has not at all been easy. Washington can score a fair number of points, and have relied on that to fuel their wins, but it isn't likely to happen here. And they as of yet haven't shown the resilience needed to overcome the adversity they are almost certain to encounter here.

Utah at Washington Odds and Betting Trends

This line has been on a bit of a ride. It opened with Utah favored by as few as two points. It moved up through the most important key number, three, and went as high as four. And it has now settled back at three . Bettors who got on it fast had a chance to set up a nice middle on three. The total opened at 47 and has mostly stayed around that mark, with 47.5 also available.

The Utes have covered the spread in their last four games overall - all conference games. They are a nicely profitable 13-6 ATS in their last 19 road games. The Huskies are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games following a bye week - as this game is - but just 4-10 ATS in their last 14 conference games.

Utah at Washington Predictions and Picks

The Utes feel like a very comfortable play here - especially if we can get them at the key number of three. Their offense is more likely to have a strong day because they are facing a much less daunting defense. The coaching is strong here on both sides, but Kyle Whittingham will have his team dialed in and prepared, with their eyes clearly on the long-term goal here. Utah is the better, deeper team right now, and it will show in this one.