It's one thing to rattle a true frosh QB making his first start in a hostile road environment. But that same suffocating Utes defense that squeezed the life out of the Bruins might not have as easy a time of it in Corvallis, as Beavers QB D-J-U has plenty of big game experience from a few years at Clemson. Plus, the physical OSU infantry featuring RBs Damien Martinez & Deshaun Fenwick will keep Kyle Whittingham's pass rushers honest. Meanwhile, while Utah has been able to function with frosh Nate Johnson executing a bulletproof gameplan, pretty soon, however, Whittingham is going to need vet QB Cam Rising back on the field to jazz up the Utes' 112th-ranked offense.

Most of you know me as an NFL bettor and that's normally the case, but I have plenty of experience fading DJ Uiagalelei and I'm going to do it again here. The Clemson transfer has never really lived up to expectations which is partly why he is now at Oregon State. Now he gets an extremely tough Utah defense. Utah will be trotting out Nate Johnson at QB as Cam Rising is not ready yet, but I trust the Utes will simplify things for Johnson and lean heavily on their defense in this low scoring affair.

It's time that we treat Utah like Iowa, just trade out the black and gold for red and white. And just like the Hawkeyes, Utah even has the defense scoring touchdowns now! Not expecting a ton from either team's passing game, especially in what could be some soggy conditions in Corvallis. Cam Rising or no Cam Rising, this will be a low-scoring affair.

The Beavers are 13-1 SU / ATS in Reser Stadium since 2021, with their only loss coming by three points last year to USC. I always love playing the Utes in Salt Lake City but I don't trust either a fairly unproven Nate Johnson or likely rusty Cam Rising in this spot if he makes his season debut. Sometimes the trends don't lie; Oregon State wins 24-16.