Las Vegas Bowl Betting: BYU vs. Utah Odds, Analysis and Pick

BYU once dominated the Holy War rivalry with Utah, winning 19-of-21 meetings during the LaVell Edwards era, but the Utes have flipped the script by winning nine of the last 12 meetings and going 9-3 against the spread. These two programs suspended their longtime rivalry last season but renew acquaintances Saturday afternoon in the Las Vegas Bowl.

Las Vegas Bowl point spread: Utes opened as three-point favorites, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark.

College football pick, via Odds Shark computer: 32.4-28.6 Cougars

Why the Cougars can cover the spread

BYU started 2-2 this season, with wins over Nebraska and Boise State, and losses to UCLA and Michigan. The Cougars then won five games in a row before losing at Missouri. They finished with two more victories, including a 51-28 romp over Utah State in the season finale. BYU actually trailed the Aggies 21-10 but scored 28 unanswered points to take control, going on to cover as a three-point favorite.

That's two games in a row the Cougars have hit the 50-point mark on offense.

BYU is 8-4 ATS this season, including 3-1 ATS an an underdog. The Cougars are also 6-4 both SU and ATS in bowls under head coach Bronco Mendenhall, who's leaving after this game to take over at Virginia. And you can bet his troops would love to send him off with another bowl victory, over a heated rival, to boot.

Why the Utes can cover the spread

Utah started 6-0 this season, with wins over Michigan and Oregon, playing itself into the national championship conversation. The Utes then lost at USC, and later lost at Arizona and to UCLA to fall out of contention. Utah then knocked off Colorado in their season finale 20-14.

The Utes, even without leading rusher Devontae Booker, outrushed the Buffaloes 216-49, the fifth game in a row, and 12 out of 13 this season, they've won the ground battle.

Utah has had great postseason success under head coach Kyle Whittingham, going 7-1 SU and 6-2 ATS in eight bowls. Last year the Utes crushed Colorado State 45-10 in this Las Vegas Bowl.

Smart pick

This game looks like a close call, but ultimately BYU finished better than Utah did. And while the Utes hold an edge in the running game, their defense can be susceptible to the pass. Plus, the Cougars should have emotion on their side, playing their last game under their longtime coach. The smart bet here is Brigham Young.

Betting trends

BYU is 5-2 ATS in its last seven games in December.

BYU is 7-1 SU in its last eight games.

Utah is 10-1 SU and 9-2 ATS in its last 11 bowl games.

The favorite has not lost SU in the Las Vegas Bowl since 2004.

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.