Stanford vs. Utah: Spread Analysis and Pick Prediction

Stanford has been money in the bank as a road team the past few seasons and they face a nine-point challenge at Utah Saturday. When you are riding a 13-2 ATS road streak, bettors take notice.

Point spread: Stanford opened as nine-point favorites; the total was sitting at 54 Wednesday. (Line updates and Matchup report)

Computer Prediction: 36-31 Stanford


Why Stanford can cover the spread

Stanford enters the weekend with the nation’s second-best overall winning streak at 13 games and is tied for the fifth-longest road winning streak with Ohio State and Oklahoma at six games. The Cardinal is one of the more balanced teams in the nation and they are 13-2 ATS in their past 15 road games.

Why Utah can cover the spread

Quite possibly for the first time since Urban Meyer left for Florida, the Utah Utes' offense appears to be a severe threat. And by dictating the tempo, the Utes can take advantage of a fast-paced game in the high-altitude atmosphere. Utah is tied for the Pac-12 lead (with this week's opponent, Stanford) in red-zone offense (.944). The Utes are money makers at home, going 6-3 ATS in their past nine games here.

Smart Pick

Not being sold on Stanford’s defense, but not yet ready to endorse the home underdog, it’s clear this has the makings of an offensive shootout. Stanford ranks 24th in the country with 39.2 points per game, while the Utes are right behind, ranking 25th in the country with 39 points per game. The over is the play.

Trends:

Stanford is 13-2 ATS in its last 15 games on the road.

Utah is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games at home.

Note: All spread and odds data powered by Odds Shark—follow Twitter for injury updates and line move updates