[tps_title]Oregon State at Utah[/tps_title]
[tps_header]4 p.m., Pac-12 Networks[/tps_header]
OREGON STATE (2-5, 0-4) AT
UTAH (6-1, 3-1)
4 p.m., Pac-12 Networks
Pointspread: Utah favored by 26.5 points/h4>
— The line opened as Utah favored by 21.5 points.
— Oregon State ranks last in the Pac-12 in pass offense, generating just 153.1 yards per game. Facing an opportunistic Utah secondary isn’t going to make things any easier through the air. Utah leads the Pac-12 with 13 interceptions. The Utes also rank third in pass defense efficiency (119.1). ndividually, Utah safety Marcus Williams leads the league with four interceptions, cornerback Dominique Hatfield is second with three picks, and nickelback Justin Thomas is tied for sixth among Pac-12 players with two interceptions.
— Pita Taumoepenu is quietly putting together a dominant season in the trenches for Utah. Through seven games, Taumoepenu leads the Pac-12 with six sacks and 0.86 sacks per game. Sacks account for 75 percent of his total tackles. Teammate Kylie Fitts ranks 10th in the league with 3.5 sacks and leads Utah with four pass breakups. Fitts, fellow defensive end Jason Fanaika and linebacker Gionni Paul are co-leaders on the team with two forced fumbles apiece.
— Oregon State suffered a blow to its offensive line when junior left tackle Sean Harlow suffered a season ending ankle injury against Colorado. Harlow has started in 28 games since his freshman season for the Beavers. He was one of five players who returned with starting experience on the offensive line this season. Their presence has helped freshman quarterback Seth Collins tally 536 yards and five touchdowns on 99 carries to rank eighth in the Pac-12 in rushing. Sophomore Will Barton will step into Harlow’s place this week after replacing him against the Buffaloes.
— Each of the last two seasons, Utah and Oregon State have battled to overtime — with the visiting team coming out on top in each game. It’s safe to say this scenario isn’t happening for a third straight year. The Utes have one of the best defenses in the Pac-12 and a powerful running back in Devontae Booker, while the Beavers have the league’s least productive offense and a porous rush defense.
Oregon State is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games
Oregon State is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Oregon State’s last 10 games
Oregon State is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Utah is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah’s last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Utah’s last 18 games
Utah is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
My pick: Utah will win and cover
Steve Rivera’s pick: Utah will win and cover
Anthony Gimino’s pick: Utah will win and cover
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