College Football Game Preview: Utah Utes vs. Baylor Bears
A High-Stakes Rematch in Salt Lake City
When the Baylor Bears travel to Rice-Eccles Stadium to face the Utah Utes on Saturday, September 7th, it will be more than just a rematch of last year’s closely contested battle. It will be a game laden with implications for both teams, particularly for a Baylor squad fighting for its coach’s job and a Utah team eager to make a statement in its inaugural Big 12 season.
Utah is favored by -14 with a total of 53.5 at BetAnySports.
Utah Utes: Big 12 Aspirations
The Utes, under the steady hand of 20th-year head coach Kyle Whittingham, are the epitome of consistency. Whittingham’s track record speaks for itself: only two losing seasons in two decades. Last year’s 8-5 record may seem slightly underwhelming, but with 6 offensive and 9 defensive starters returning, Utah is primed for a strong 2024 campaign.
The Utes’ entrance into the Big 12 adds another layer of intrigue to this matchup. With Oklahoma and Texas departing, the conference is wide open, and Utah has an opportunity to establish itself as a contender from the get-go. A convincing win against Baylor would send a resounding message to the rest of the conference.
Baylor Bears: Aranda on the Hot Seat
For Baylor and head coach Dave Aranda, the 2024 season is about survival. Last year’s dismal 3-9 record was a low point in Aranda’s tenure, and the pressure is on to turn things around. Despite returning 10 offensive and 9 defensive starters, Aranda’s seat is scorching hot. Anything less than a bowl game could spell the end of his time in Waco.
The Bears will be looking to channel the spirit of their close loss to Utah last year, hoping to prove that they are a much-improved team. The dismissal of offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes signals a commitment to change, but whether it will translate to on-field success remains to be seen.
The Matchup: Closer Than Expected?
On paper, Utah is a heavy favorite, currently favored by 14 points with a total of 53. Our model, based on last year’s data, predicts a comfortable 31-14 Utah win. However, we believe this game will be much closer than the spread suggests.
Both teams have had plenty of time to prepare specifically for this matchup, allowing them to address weaknesses and fine-tune their game plans. The desperation surrounding Aranda and the Baylor program could also be a motivating factor.
The early money has come in on Baylor, with the line moving from Utah -17 to -14. While we may be a bit late to the party, we still see value in taking the Bears with two touchdowns.
Our Pick: Baylor +14
We expect a hard-fought, emotionally charged game that could come down to the wire. While Utah is undoubtedly the more talented team, Baylor’s desperation and the extra preparation time could make this a much closer contest than the oddsmakers anticipate.