Utah Utes vs. Arizona State Sun Devils: Betting Odds, Analysis and Pick

Arizona State is 3-0 straight up and 2-1 against the spread versus Utah since the Utes joined the Pac-12 three seasons ago. That bodes well for the Sun Devils, as they seek a berth in the conference championship game for the second straight season.

South Division-leading ASU hosts second-place Utah for Homecoming in Tempe Saturday night.

Point Spread: The Sun Devils opened as 2.5-point favorites.

Odds Shark Computer Pick: Sun Devils 29.9, Utes 26.7

Why the Utah Utes Can Cover the Spread

The Utes just came up with a big home win over USC, scoring on a one-yard Travis Wilson touchdown pass with eight seconds to go for a 24-21 victory. Utah only managed 137 yards rushing on 42 carries but held the Trojans to 100 yards on 37 rushing attempts.

The Utes might have avoided the need for last-minute heroics had they not lost two fumbles inside the USC 5-yard line.

Since being upset at home by Washington State last month, Utah has won and covered three games in a row to get to 6-1 both SU and ATS on the season, and 3-1 both SU and ATS in Pac-12 play.

Why the Arizona State Sun Devils Can Cover the Spread

The Sun Devils have also won and covered three games in a row after winning at Washington last week 24-10.

ASU was out-gained and out-rushed by the Huskies, but senior quarterback Taylor Kelly—in his first game back after missing a month due to injury—tossed a pair of touchdown passes and the defense forced three turnovers, the last of which was returned for the game-clinching score.

So the only blemish on the Devils' slate remains that loss to UCLA. Arizona State is averaging 186 yards on the ground, 303 through the air and the defense has allowed just 20 points over the last two games.

Smart Pick

Statistically speaking, the Utes don't stand out, but they have out-rushed their four Pac-12 foes by an average of almost 100 yards per game and already own three road victories this season.

The Sun Devils, on the other hand, have been out-rushed in four of their five conference contests. Last year, as Utah struggled through a 5-7 season, it almost upset Arizona State, which went on to win the South.

The pick here goes with the Utes, plus the points.

Betting Trends

• Utah is 4-1 ATS in its last five games on the road.
• Arizona State is 1-4 ATS in its last five games at home.

All point spread and lines data courtesy of Odds Shark, all quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates and get the free odds tracker app.