Saturday college football and we will see the Wake Forest Demon Deacons take on the Utah State Aggies at Merlin Olsen Field in Logan, Utah. The game has a start time of 7:00 pm (Eastern) and will be televised on CBSSN. Current Vegas odds have the Aggies listed as 15.5 point favorites, while the total is set at 44.5.
Analysis: The Demon Deacons come in at 1-1 on the year, after last weeks 23-7 win over FCS foe Weber State. Wake Forest had big offensive problems vs UL Monroe to open the season, but looked much better vs Gardner Webb as they put up 387 yards overall, including 287 yards through the air. John Wolford had a solid day as he hit 30 of 28 passes for 291 yards and 2 TDs, but he did also have 3 INTs on the day. Running the ball was an issue for this team for the second game in a row as they ran for just 96 yards on 2.7 ypc vs Gardner Webb. The defense was solid in the game, as they held the Runnin’ Bulldogs to just 131 yards of total offense. Wake comes in at 123rd in total offense (240.5 ypg), 124th in rushing offense (46.5) and 117th in scoring (16.5 ppg). On defense they have been very good as they rank 10th in yards allowed (241.5 ypg) and 19th in scoring (12 ppg).
The Utah State Aggies also come into the game at 1-1 on the year. After getting blasted 38-7 by Tennessee in their opener, the Aggies bounced back with a 40-20 win over Idaho State last week. Utah State had problems vs the Tennessee offense in their opener, but had a solid showing last week, especially on the ground, where they ran for 311 yards on 45 carries (6.9 ypc). QB Chuckie Keeton led the ground attack with 74 yards, but didn’t do a whole lot in the passing game, as he connected on 13 of 30 passes for just 116 yards. Chuckie has now completed just 47.7% of his passes for 260 yards with 1 TD and 3 INTs on the year. He may not be fully healed from an ACL & MCL tear that sidelined him for half of last year. Overall Utah State is ranked 106th in total offense and 102nd in scoring (23.5 ppg), while on defense they are 78th in yards allowed (395.5 ypg) and 92nd in points allowed (29 ppg)
Pick: I will look to the Under in this one. The Wake Forest offense has been pathetic this year as they have averaged just 16.5 ppg in their two games. They have very little running game and are weak at the QB spot, plus they do play at a slow tempo on offense. With their offensive shortcomings, that is all they can do to try and keep games close. The Aggies defense hasn't played to their potential this year, but they should have their best showing to date vs this offense. The Aggie offense has also struggled this year, especially Chuckie Keeton, who doesn't look like he is fully healthy as missing half of last year from his ACL and MCL tear that he suffered. The Aggies will face a tough Wake Forest defense that has allowed just 12 ppg thus far. That is Wake's game as they are all defense and no offense and that should really keep the scoring down in this one.
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College Football Free Picks: Wake Forest vs Utah State Betting
What college football bettors need to know about betting Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs Utah State Aggies on Saturday (9/13/14) - a free pick from Pregame.com's Dave Cokin with added insight from Ken Thomson.