Baylor Bears vs. Utah Utes 9/7/24 – It’s Week 2 of the NCAAF season, and it features a matchup between the Baylor Bears and the Utah Utes, with both teams coming into the match unbeaten, as expected, a classic even-handed contest. Expect an exciting duel between the Bears and Utes on Saturday as they take it to the field. This game is perfect for fans who wish to know the strength of teams early in the season, as it helps find NCAAF free picks and odds. With both teams looking for another victory, the match becomes a crucial checkpoint of the campaigns at the start.
Baylor Bears vs. Utah Utes 9/7/24
| When: | Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 3:30 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Rice-Eccles Stadium |
| TV: | FOX |
| Stream: | SofaScore |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bears | +14.5 (-115) | 53.5 over (-111) | +470 |  |
| Utes | -14.5 (-115) | 53.5 under (-111) | -670 | |
| ||||
STREAMING NOW! 🍿🏈
📺 https://t.co/7wmdRmsThH https://t.co/qfPdeXYMuC pic.twitter.com/8mxMJMWXeR
— Baylor+ (@BaylorPlus) September 6, 2024
The latest betting lines indicate that Utah Utes are considered heavy favorites with a betting line of -14.5 points. However, they are serious underdogs in this match thanks to the discourse behind the Baylor Bears who have a money line of +470. The over\under line totals out at 53.5 with most of the action deposited evenly over the line and the under indicating a reasonable score expected in this game mostly through the offense of Utah and creeping in the capability of Baylor to score away from home.
Dequan Finn QB vs. Cameron Rising QB
Baylor’s quarterback Dequan Finn, has struggled during the initial weeks of the season, as shown by the passer’s completion rate of 63.6 percent and quarterback’s rating of 148.8. While Finn is capable of making long tosses, as evidenced by a long pass of 39 yards, the downside of his game is his pressure-inducing back, which has seen him get sacked once and throw away 2 interceptions. His dual-threat nature will be necessary to penetrate Utah’s defense, as it has been challenging at home.
On the contrary, the season has started well for Utah’s player Cameron Rising. Rising, who has completed 66.7% of his throws and has a staggering passer rating of 318.9, has shown his accuracy by throwing for five touchdowns without a single interception. His 6.8 healing and excuses to bounce back ‘every inch to players to fill up will be good, especially for the game against Baylor, who’s been cracked on good offenses.
Baylor’s Ground and Air Attack
Baylor’s offensive approach relies particularly on Finn’s rapport with his primary targets. The leading ball carrier, Richard Reese, has an efficient rushing game, averaging a net of 4.3 yards per carry. With his tackling and rushing prowess, he works well with Finn’s passing, particularly to Jackson Jr., who has caught two passes for 69 yards. It will be important to this duo’s skill to spread the offense around, which would assist in breaking down Utah’s defensive line.
Utah’s Offensive Cohesion
Without a doubt, Utah’s offense thrives with quarterback Cameron Rising and the multi-faceted Dijon Stanley who not only helps with the running game but also can threaten the opposing defense as a receiver. Brant Kuithe, who already has three touchdowns this season, will play a crucial role for Utah in the red zone. The fact that the Utes can attack in such a way could hurt the Bears’ defense and make it a challenge for Baylor to dictate the pace of the game.
Trends
Baylor Bears Betting Trends
Baylor are 4-10-1 ATS in their last 15 games.
Baylor are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games.
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Baylor’s last 9 games on the road.
Baylor are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games against an opponent in the Pac-12 conference.
Baylor are 13-4 SU in their last 17 games played in September.
Utah Utes Betting Trends
Utah are 13-7 SU in their last 20 games.
Utes are 19-1 SU in their last 20 games at home.
Utah are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games against an opponent in the Big 12 conference.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Utah’s last 6 games played in September.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Utah’s last 8 games played in week 2.
Baylor Bears vs. Utah Utes Betting Prediction
Owing to the performance metrics and the betting trends of both teams, the Utah Utes seem ready to carry on the dominance at home. Although Gonzaga should not be disregarded, the utility of the Utah team’s balanced offense with an excellent defensive record makes them a safer option for the bettors. Individual player-related prop bets may also give good returns, considering the focus on Cameron Rising’s yardage and touchdowns.
Indeed, Utah’s tendencies can allow for a spread to be covered and a good reason to back them, especially in top-tier casino sites. With both teams possessing a strong offense, the total game expectations may have leaned more towards the OVER, considering a rather high-score game.
Score Prediction: Utah 38, Baylor 20.
Hilbert Mayer
Sports Writer
Hilbert Mayer is a professional sports writer, betting analyst, and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in the sports industry. Before focusing on sports betting analysis and handicapping, Hilbert worked as a sports writer for various news outlets, covering everything from game recaps to in-depth matchup features. Today, he specializes in MLB, NFL, March Madness, and UFC betting, combining his journalistic background with deep statistical expertise and real-world betting insights. His proven track record, sharp reads, and ability to break down complex matchups make him a trusted voice among both casual bettors and seasoned sharps.
Published on: September 5, 2024
Last updated: March 28, 2025