Utah vs BYU: Over/Under, Spread, Predictions and TV Info

Every time the Utah Utes and BYU Cougars get together, calling it a football game just doesn't cut it.

No sir, this is the Holy War—a nickname that has been very appropriate in recent years.

Of course, the Utes and Cougars don't typically do battle until November, but things got bumped up a little bit this year. That Utah and BYU are no longer members of the Mountain West Conference has a lot to do with that.

Regardless, let's go ahead and take a closer look at what we can expect to see in this game.

Where: LaVell Edwards Stadium

When: Saturday at 9:15 p.m. ET.

Watch: ESPN2 and streaming online at ESPN3.com

Spread: BYU -4. Very tricky spread. The Cougars have won a game by a point, and they've lost a game by a point. They desperately need to get their offense going, but they'll be helped by a Utah team that has had trouble getting its own offense going. Because Jake Heaps is better than he's shown, I'll take BYU to cover.

Over/Under: 46.5 points, -110 over, -110 under. I don't see Utah scoring many points against BYU's defense, but I don't see BYU's offense going off either. I'd take the under here.

Key Injuries

According to the USA Today, the Utes have defensive end Lei Talamaivao (foot), offensive lineman Isaac Asiata (ankle) and running back Tauni Vakapuna (ankle) all listed as questionable.

Also according to the USA Today, Bronco Mendenhall said he expects linebacker Brandon Ogletree (concussion) and safety Mike Hague (ribs) to play.

BCS/Top 25 Poll Implications

BYU was knocking on the door of the AP Top 25 after its win over Ole Miss, but the Cougars fell out of favor with the voters with their loss to Texas. In order to earn it back, they need to string a few wins together.

As for Utah, I'd be shocked if the Utes found their way into the Top 25 this season. They're nowhere near as good as they were last year, and they have a very tough conference schedule. Still, a win over BYU on the road would be a good start.

Keys to Utah Win

The Utes desperately need quarterback Jordan Wynn to get going. He's thrown for just 339 yards in two games, and he's coming off a performance against USC in which he completed just 50 percent of his passes.

But don't discount Utah's defense. They bothered Matt Barkley last week, and the Utes stand a very good chance to win if they can bother Jake Heaps.

Keys to BYU Win

The Cougars will stack the box with their tremendous front seven and dare Wynn to beat them. If they do use him, Utes running back John White IV won't be much of a threat. He rushed for just 56 yards on 20 carries versus USC.

But on offense, it bears repeating that Heaps needs to get going. The Cougars were expecting big things out of him this season, and he has yet to deliver. If BYU is to make any kind of push this year, Heaps needs to step up.

Prediction

I have a feeling this game is going to be a hard-fought grinder, just like the last two Holy Wars. Both teams are searching for an identity at present, and ultimately, I think the Cougars will find theirs first.

BYU 24, Utah 10