Utah Utes vs. Oregon Ducks Betting Odds, Analysis, College Football Pick

Utah is 0-2 straight up against Oregon since joining the Pac-12, but the Utes are also 6-1 both SU and against the spread in their last seven road contests. Utah shoots for the upset when it challenges the Ducks in Eugene Saturday.

Point spread: This game was off the board early in the week at sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark. (Line updates and matchup report)

College football pick, via Odds Shark computer: 37.6-23.0 Ducks

Why the Utah Utes can cover the spread

Utah is off to a 3-0 start to this season, after winning at Fresno State last week 45-24, covering as an 11-point road favorite. The Utes outrushed the Bulldogs 221-124, held the ball for over 37 minutes and scored touchdowns on a fumble return, a kickoff return and an interception return.

Utah opened this season with a 24-17 victory over Michigan, covering as a five-point home favorite with help from a late pick-six, and two weeks ago the Utes defeated rival Utah State 24-14, although they couldn't quite cover at minus-11.

Utah returned 14 starters this season from a team that went 9-4 last year, seven on each side of the ball. This is the best team the Utes have fielded since joining the Pac-12 five seasons ago.

Why the Oregon Ducks can cover the spread

Oregon is 2-1 on the season, after downing Georgia State last week 61-28. Playing without starting quarterback Vernon Adams, who's dealing with a broken finger, the Ducks led 33-7 at the half, let the Panthers get within 19 points late in the third quarter, then finished them off with a pair of long touchdowns in the fourth quarter, although they came up a little short of covering the 42-point spread.

Pitching in relief, backup quarterback Jeff Lockie connected on 23 of 31 throws for 228 yards and two scores, without an interception.

Oregon opened this season with a 61-42 victory over Eastern Washington, although it came up short against another huge spread. The Ducks then lost a tough game at Michigan State, 31-28, but covered as five-point dogs on the road.

Oregon has beaten Utah the last two seasons by an average of score of 47-24. Regardless of who takes the snaps from center, the Ducks are still capable of doing something similar Saturday.

Smart pick

Oregon expects to contend not just for for another Pac-12 title this season, but for a return trip to the College Football Playoff. But they gave up 431 yards of offense against Georgia State last week. On the other side of this matchup, the Utes have been a solid bet on the road recently. The smart money in this spot sides with Utah, plus the points.

Betting trends

Oregon is 5-1 SU in its six games against Utah.

The total has gone under in 11 of Utah's last 14 games.

Oregon is 1-4 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.