Locks
NCAA Football (1 Unit) BYU 1st Half -5 (-110) @ Utah State: 8:00 PM CT on CBS Sports Network
The BYU Cougars have been a fast riser up the rankings with some impressive wins, but this is their first road test and I think they’ll come out focused.
The Cougars were dominant to open their last game against South Florida, but let the Bulls back in the game by getting outscored 21-7 in the 2nd half. I don’t think that lapse is sitting well with coach Kalani Sitake who usually runs a tight and well-focused team. I see them coming out strong here against a Utah State team that is nowhere near as talented as their record would indicate.
The Aggies were exposed against their first true competition last week in a 27-3 thumping by Boise State. It was the fourth straight time they’ve started slow, as their 1st half scoring differential is minus-23 and they’ve never led at the half. BYU also gets starting quarterback Jaren Hall back for this game against a Utah State defense that’s 120th in yards allowed.
While the Aggies are just 1-10 ATS in their past 11 as a home underdog, the line for this game is approaching double digits. That’s a bit much against a team with an offense that’s excellent at playing from behind. I’ll count instead on a re-focused BYU team coming out strong here.
Degenerates
No degenerates today.
Tiny Nick is 389-288 ATS (+93.5 Units) on his Locks since joining Zone Coverage.
Every day he will offer his Locks and Degenerate picks. Locks are the games he’s confident in. Degenerates are entertaining but riskier picks.
