Utah State and Utah renew their college football rivalry tomorrow night when they bump heads at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. Start time in Thursday's meeting between the Aggies and Utes is set for 8:00pm ET; the game will be broadcast live on the new Fox Sports 1. College football point spreads 2013 week 1 are favoring Utah at -2.5 against the spread and -140 on the money line ($140 wins $100). Tomorrow's game total is set at 51 points.
When Gary Andersen, who served as Utah's defensive coordinator under Kyle Whittingham, arrived in Logan, Utah in 2009 he inherited a program that had produced nine wins the previous four seasons. Suffice it to say he left Utah State in better condition than he found it.
After back to back 4-8 seasons in 2009 and 2010, the Aggies broke through with a 7-6 record in 2011, and last year they reached a previously unattainable level, finishing up a remarkable 11-2.
Utah State's performance earned Andersen the head coaching job at Wisconsin, and his offensive coordinator, Matt Wells, the top position with the Aggies.
The Aggies had a number of nice wins last season, but none were bigger than their week two victory against a favored Utah squad. Utah State, playing as a seven point home dog, snapped a 12 game skid against Utah by topping the Utes 27-20 in overtime.
Despite losing the turnover (-1) and time of possession (34:50 to 25:10) battles, the Aggies outgained the Utes 380 yards to 325. Quarterback Chuckie Keeton proved the difference for Utah State as he passed for 216 yards and two scores and rushed for 86 yards on 17 carries.
Utah State, despite the return of Keeton and 13 other starters, is lined as a dog in tomorrow's contest. The Utes and Head Coach Whittingham, who, no doubt, stewed over last season's loss, get the Aggies at home this year and they appear, at least on paper, better equipped to deal with Utah State.
There is more stability at the quarterback position with Travis Wilson firmly entrenched under center and most of the Utes top performers, with the exception of running back John White, return on both sides of the ball.
There is a lot to like about Utah State, but with a new coach and a vengeful Utah squad waiting at Rice-Eccles Stadium, it is difficult to side with the Aggies in tomorrow's season opener.
Utah State vs Utah College Football Point Spreads 2013 Week 1 Betting Trend: Utah is 5-1 straight up and 4-1-1 against the spread in its last six games as a home favorite with a spread between 0 and 3.5 points.
Utah State vs Utah College Football Point Spreads 2013 Week 1:
Utah State Aggies +2.5 (-105), Over 51 (-110), +120 (Moneyline)
Utah Utes -2.5 (-115), Under 51 (-110), -140 (Moneyline)
NFL Win Totals: Denver Broncos
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