Utah Utes @ Stanford Cardinal | Week 10 Game Preview

When: Friday, November 5, 2021 at 10:30pm E.T.

Where: Stanford Stadium, Stanford, California

How: FS1

Spread: Utah -8.5 (-112)

Total: 53.5

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

Utah Spotlight:

After beating UCLA 44-24 last Saturday, the Utah Utes should be feeling confident. The Utes are 5-3 on the season and lead the Pac-12 South in conference play at 4-1. Offensively, Utah is one of the top rushing teams in the nation, led by running back Tavion Thomas who is coming off a dominant performance against UCLA where he rushed for 160 yards on 24 attempts with four touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, Utah is averaging the most sacks per game in the Pac-12 Conference, which could spell disaster for the Cardinals who have poor pass protection and turn over the ball more than anyone in the conference.

Stanford Spotlight: 

With their starting quarterback Tanner McKee and several receivers listed as questionable, the Stanford Cardinal offense will struggle. Add the fact that Stanford also ranks 91st in pass blocking, and Utah leads the league in sacks, it could be a long day for whoever starts at QB. Defensively, Stanford is terrible against the run.  Teams are averaging 208 rushing yards per game against the Cardinals.

Final Say:

Utah should run up and down the field on the Cardinals. Not only is Stanford giving up the most rushing yards per game, but they’re also tied for the most rushing touchdowns allowed in the conference with 17. On the other side of the ball, the conference sack leading Utes, coupled with the poor pass pass protection of the Cardinals will keep whoever starts at QB running for their life.  Utah covers by double digits.

Pick: Utah -8.5 (-112)