Utah will look to exact some revenge tonight when it opens its season against in-state rival Utah State. The Utes, who fell 20-27 to the Aggies in Logan last year, are scheduled to take the field at Rice-Eccles Stadium at 8:00pm ET. Fox Sports 1 will carry the meeting between the two schools. 2013 College Football Picks Week 1 at 5Dimes have Utah listed as a -2.5 against the spread home favorite and the Over/Under set at 51 points. Utah State is drawing +120 money line odds ($100 wins $120) to win this evening's contest.
When Gary Andersen, who served as Kyle Whittingham's defensive coordinator from 2005 to 2008, 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 last year's result and the return of Keeton, 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 them.
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 tonight's season opening battle.
Utah State vs Utah 2013 College Football Picks Week 1 Betting Trend: The Utes are 8-1 in their last nine games as a home favorite with a total between 47.5 and 51 points.
Utah State vs Utah 2013 College Football Picks Week 1:
Utah State Aggies +2.5 (-105), Over 51 (-110), +120 (Moneyline)
Utah Utes -2.5 (-115), Under 51 (-110), -140 (Moneyline)
College Football Free Picks: North Carolina at South Carolina Betting
What college football bettors need to know about North Carolina Tar Heels at South Carolina Gamecocks on Thursday (8/29/13) - a free pick from Pregame.com's Ken Thomson, with host Marco D'Angelo.
-$25 of picks FREE! No Obligation - No Credit Card Required - Becoming a member is Fast and Free!