Utah vs. Utah State Prediction, Game Preview
The Utah vs. Utah State prediction and game preview is hot off the press. The Utes and Aggies renew their rivalry this weekend, but who's going to win?
The Utah Utes and the Utah State Aggies renew their rivalry in a battle of teams that won on the opening weekend. Who’ll have Beehive State bragging rights on Friday night. We break it all down below in the Utah vs. Utah State prediction and game preview.
Utah vs. Utah State Prediction & Preview
Broadcast
Date: Saturday, September 11
Game Time: 9:00 ET
Network: ESPN2
Follow and/or Contact @Rich Cirminiello
Why You Need To Care
It’s the 112th edition of the “Battle of the Brothers”, an in-state rivalry dating back to 1892. Both Utah and Utah State copped a win in Week 1, but with very different narratives at the conclusion. The Utes defeated Michigan in Jim Harbaugh’s Wolverine in front of a national TV audience. However, Utah State barely escaped FCS Southern Utah, 12-9. Utah must avoid a letdown, while Utah State must find its offensive pulse.
Why Utah State Will Win
For all that went wrong in the opener, the Aggie D was in midseason form. Utah State allowed a field goal over the final 58 minutes of the opener, while allowing just 163 yards. LB Kyler Fackrell is back, joining LB Nick Vigil and DE Jordan Nielsen to give Utah State a stout front seven. Utah is a one-dimensional offense, so the Aggies will be able to focus on stopping RB Devontae Booker.
Why Utah Will Win
The Ute offense is mediocre. But the Aggie attack is somewhere south of that point. Sure, QB Chuckie Keeton was rusty in his return from injury, but no offensive touchdowns versus a middling FCS visitor? It’s a troubling omen with the Utah defense up next. The Utes are again rock-solid up front, which will prevent Keeton from shaking off the rust for at least another week.
Player Who Matters
Utah needs to unshackle Booker, the one guy that really makes the offense go. Now, the Utes beat Michigan, despite only getting 69 yards on the ground from their star. But they need to spring No. 23, because QB Travis Wilson headlines a so-so passing game, and Utah State gives up little ground in run defense.
What’s Going To Happen?
While Keeton can’t possibly be as inept as he was last Thursday, he’ll have to wait another week to get back on track. Utah’s defense is rugged, and the Aggies are still trying to develop weapons capable of spreading the field. The Utes won’t erupt on offense either, though Booker will grind out 100 yards and two scores to help spark the win at Rice-Eccles.
Utah vs. Utah State Prediction
Without further ado, the Utah vs. Utah State prediction is
Prediction: Utah 28, Utah State 17
Must See Rating: 5: Ferrell Takes the Field 1 – 1: A Walk in The Woods … 2
