Friday, Oct. 11
10:30 p.m. Eastern, 7:30 p.m. Pacific
ESPN, ESPN Plus
The first Big 12 game of Week 7 is a matchup of two of the four Pac-12 schools which joined the new-look conference for 2024. It is notable that Utah’s only loss in the Big 12 so far this season came against another former Pac-12 school. The Arizona Wildcats ambushed the Utes in Salt Lake City. The obvious and important note attached to that game is that Cam Rising did not play at quarterback for the Utes. His lack of health has remained a storyline for Utah after he never was able to play in 2023 and came back for one more season of college football.
This week, Cam Rising is the subject of intense speculation about his playing status. He hasn’t been greenlit for this game, but he also hasn’t been ruled out. Betting markets seem to be reacting to the possibility that Rising will play. Indeed, when you look at the odds posted below, it would seem logical that Utah would not be as big a favorite if it was clear and certain that Rising would not play. You will obviously need to wait for more – and clearer, and more definite – information on Cam Rising before you make a play on this game. We are going to discuss the game, however, through the prism of Rising not playing. That’s next in our game notes below:
Utah Utes-Arizona State Sun Devils Odds
Spread: Utah -6 (-110), Arizona State +6 (-110)
Total: 45.5 (Over -105, Under -115)
Underdog moneyline: Arizona State +200
Hear T.J. preview this Big 12 showdown on the latest “3 Dog Thursday Podcast” by clicking play below,
Utah rarely gets points on the road
The Utah offense will obviously be hamstrung if Rising still can’t play. However, Utah has shown it can grind out Big 12 road wins without Rising. It won at Oklahoma State without Rising, holding OSU to 19 points and winning a hard-fought game. Since Arizona State is a familiar opponent from the Pac-12, Utah’s defense should be able to deal with ASU’s offense and at least keep the game close and manageable for the Utes.
Arizona State is coming off a last-minute win against Kansas. You need to know that the Kansas Jayhawks are one of the worst teams in the country in terms of giving up scores in the last two minutes of halves. That has been an extraordinary flaw for KU this season. ASU took full advantage of that fact last weekend. Utah, though, is highly unlikely to be as leaky on defense in the final minutes of halves. Arizona State plus six points is a solid play, but the under 45.5 might be an even better play, given that Utah will absolutely need to hold ASU under 20 points, very possibly 17, to have a decent chance of winning this game outright. Again, though, you should wait for more information on Rising before you commit to a bet on this game.