Friday, September 7, 2012

Utah and BYU Predictions: 9/7/2012

Utah at Utah State
I haven't really changed my tune on this one.  I think it'll be a lower-scoring game, bit of a slugfest, with a raucous crowd.  I'm willing to give Utah a few more points than I had initially suspected (preseason I had 20-13), but I suspect it'll be close for 2.5 quarters before Utah puts an end to any doubts.  For you gamblers out there, I'd take the Under 52.5 and Utah -7.  Utah 27, Utah State 13.

Weber State at BYU
Usually, I'll go a little more in-depth, but there's not much reason too.  Weber State isn't a bad FCS team, but they aren't a good one either.  I'd be shocked if BYU didn't lead by two scores after a quarter and go from there.  We will get to see if the Cougars cleaned things up a little bit, but the opponent is a bit outmatched here.  I want to see the running game get going: 200+ yards and 4.8 yards/carry.  I'd also like to see them mash it in inside the 20.  I'd like to see them spread the ball around in the passing game again, with 7 or 8 guys catching passes.  With the focus on the running game, particularly in the blue zone, they'll score less than they otherwise could, but I won't change from my preseason prediction on BYU's O.

Defensively, I want to see how good BYU's angles are in space, as they took a couple of bad ones last week, but that's really the only complaint/thing I'm looking for.  They should shoot for a shutout, but I don't think they'll get there.  The BYU D looked better than I suspected they would in week one and Weber State had struggles against Fresno State on the offensive side of the ball, so I'm taking 10 points away from Weber that I gave them preseason.  BYU 44, Weber State 3.

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