Utah State Aggies vs. Utah Utes Betting Odds, Analysis, College Football Pick

The Utah Utes are 13-1 straight up and 11-3 against the spread in their last 14 in-state rivalry bouts against the Utah State Aggies, but USU has closed the gap in recent seasons. The Utes will try to tame the upset-minded Aggies again when the teams meet Friday night in Salt Lake City.

Point spread: Utes opened as 11-point favorites, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark. (Line updates and matchup report)

College football pick, via Odds Shark computer: 22.4-19.4 Utes

Why the Utah State Aggies can cover the spread

The Aggies began their season with a 12-9 victory over Southern Utah, looking a bit stale on offense but solid on defense, allowing just 163 total yards of Thunderbirds offense, just 52 yards on 30 rushing attempts.

USU returned 15 starters this season from a team that went 10-4 last season, including senior quarterback Chuckie Keeton, last year's leading rusher and top two receivers, four along the offensive line and six on defense.

The Aggies ended last season on a 6-1 run, going 4-3 ATS, and if they can find some rhythm on offense this week, they've got a chance to pull off an upset in this spot.

Why the Utah Utes can cover the spread

Utah opened this season with a 24-17 victory over Michigan, covering as a five-point favorite. The Utes out-rushed the Wolverines 129-76 and picked off UM quarterback Jake Rudock three times, returning one interception for what turned out to be the game-winning and cash-producing score.

Utah returned 14 starters this season from last year's 9-4 team, including senior quarterback Travis Wilson, 1,500-yard rusher Devontae Booker, four along the offensive line and seven on defense. So the Utes have a chance to be even better than they were last year.

Smart pick

Utah used to dominate this series, winning every meeting—12 in a row, from 1998 through 2009—by an average of 24 points per game. However, those days might be gone, as Utah State has upgraded its program in a big way. Three seasons ago, the Aggies won this game in overtime, and two seasons ago they led in the fourth quarter, before losing by four points. The smart money in this spot resides with Utah State, plus the points.

Betting trends

Utah is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games against Utah State.

Utah State is 6-1-1 ATS in its last eight games on the road in September.

Utah is 4-1 SU and ATS in its last five games in September.

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.