Utah Utes defensive sort out Aliki Vimahi (95) and teammates rejoice a cease on third down as Utah and Oregon State play at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake Metropolis on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. Scott G Winterton, Deseret Information
It’s an necessary weekend for each No. 11 Utah and No. 16 BYU.
The Utes face No. 18 UCLA on Saturday in a sport that’s more likely to have implications on the Pac-12 title race.
The Cougars tackle Notre Dame in Las Vegas in a sport that would assist elevate BYU’s nationwide profile or go the alternative approach with a loss.
Nationwide consultants have made their predictions for what is going to occur this weekend, and whereas Utah is seen by most as the favourite in opposition to UCLA, there are some who imagine the Bruins can spring the upset.
Nearly all of prognosticators imagine Notre Dame will beat BYU, although the Cougars even have their believers.
Right here’s a have a look at what 5 completely different publications needed to say concerning the Utah colleges, together with Utah State, which hosts Air Power.
ESPN
ESPN’s Invoice Connelly broke down storylines from a number of key video games this weekend and used two ESPN metrics — the SP+ and FPI — to point the favourite in these matchups.
No. 11 Utah at No. 18 UCLA
“That is additionally a battle between two of faculty soccer’s most pleasant quarterbacks, Utah’s Cam Rising and UCLA’s Dorian Thompson-Robinson. They're presently sixth and seventh, respectively, in Complete QBR,” Connelly wrote.
“This sport will likely be an effectivity battle. UCLA’s offense ranks sixth in general success charge, and Utah’s is eleventh; Utah’s protection ranks seventeenth, although UCLA’s D is extra bend-don’t-break,” Connelly wrote. “Each groups dominate the sphere place sport, each do effectively within the purple zone, and each have benefited from a wholesome turnover margin. Whoever carves out higher benefits within the down-and-distance class most likely wins.
“… The winner of this one scores an enormous tiebreaker in what might stay a crowded and thrilling convention race.”
- SP+ projection: Utah by 0.2
- FPI projection: Utah by 6.8
No. 16 BYU vs. Notre Dame (Las Vegas)
“Notre Dame was projected seventh in SP+ however has fallen to thirtieth. BYU was nineteenth after a rousing Week 2 win over Baylor however has fallen to thirty ninth. Notre Dame ought to be capable of run the ball, but when there’s an explosive play, it’s much more more likely to come from BYU. It gained’t take that many large performs to provide an upset,” Connelly wrote.
- SP+ projection: Notre Dame by 2.8
- FPI projection: Notre Dame by 7.2
USA Right now
Six USA Right now consultants made their predictions for the week’s video games involving top-25 groups, and each Utah and BYU earned the vast majority of votes to win.
“The true edge for the Cougars, nonetheless, would be the aerial assault. Notre Dame is one among simply 4 FBS groups but to intercept a cross this season — Ohio, Michigan State and Fresno State are the others — and Jaren Corridor has been picked off simply as soon as in 171 makes an attempt so far, Eddie Timanus wrote.
“The Combating Irish nonetheless gained’t have a choose, and the Cougars may have one other win after Saturday’s encounter.”
One author known as for UCLA to spring the upset, although.
“Search for UCLA to proceed its scorching play and after they beat the convention favourite, additionally search for the Bruins’ viability as a fringe playoff contender,” Scooby Axson wrote. “To beat Utah, Dorian Thompson-Robinson will need to have a 300-yard day via the air and add one other 75 on the bottom.”
No. 11 Utah at No. 18 UCLA
- Scooby Axson: UCLA
- Jace Evans: Utah
- Paul Myerberg: Utah
- Erick Smith: Utah
- Eddie Timanus: Utah
- Dan Wolken: Utah
No. 16 BYU vs. Notre Dame (Las Vegas)
- Scooby Axson: BYU
- Jace Evans: Notre Dame
- Paul Myerberg: Notre Dame
- Erick Smith: BYU
- Eddie Timanus: BYU
- Dan Wolken: BYU
Athlon Sports activities
Three Athlon Sports activities consultants picked the winner from each FBS sport this week, together with the three Utah colleges.
No. 11 Utah at No. 18 UCLA
- Steven Lassan: Utah
- Mark Ross: Utah
- Ben Weinrib: UCLA
No. 16 BYU vs. Notre Dame (Las Vegas)
- Steven Lassan: Notre Dame
- Mark Ross: Notre Dame
- Ben Weinrib: Notre Dame
Air Power at Utah State
- Steven Lassan: Air Power
- Mark Ross: Air Power
- Ben Weinrib: Air Power
Sporting Information
Sporting Information’ Invoice Bender appeared at every sport involving an Related Press Prime 25 workforce, predicting a win for Utah and loss for BYU.
No. 11 Utah at No. 18 UCLA
“UCLA has one other likelihood to knock off a Pac-12 contender, however this gained’t be straightforward. The Utes have been on a mission because the season-opening loss at Florida,” Bender wrote.
“UCLA averages 41.4 factors per sport, however they're up in opposition to the highest protection within the Pac-12 (14.4 ppg.). The Utes even have averaged 46.8 factors per sport within the final 5 conferences in opposition to the Bruins. They might haven't any drawback in a shootout.”
- Prediction: Utah 38, UCLA 28
No. 16 BYU vs. Notre Dame (Las Vegas)
“The Cougars and Irish meet at Allegiant Stadium, of all locations, and this a showcase sport for BYU quarterback Jaren Corridor — who averages 301.2 yards of whole offense per sport. The Irish had the bye week to organize, and Drew Pyne has accomplished 69.8% of his passes,” Bender wrote.
- Prediction: Notre Dame 28, BYU 24
Bleacher Report
Bleacher Report’s Morgan Moriarty made predictions for each sport involving an AP Prime 25 workforce and known as for each Utah and BYU to lose.
No. 11 Utah at No. 18 UCLA
“It appears like Chip Kelly lastly has issues rolling at UCLA, because the Bruins are off to their greatest begin since his debut season in 2018,” Moriarty wrote. “… The Utes have gained the final 4 straight following their Week 1 loss at Florida, however this would be the first ranked workforce Utah has confronted all season.
“This one must be shut all through, and the Bruins might need a slight benefit in taking this one at house.”
- Prediction: UCLA 35, Utah 28
No. 16 BYU vs. Notre Dame (Las Vegas)
“At the start of the season, this one appeared prefer it might have main playoff implications. However via 5 weeks of the season, this matchup has misplaced numerous its luster,” Moriarty wrote.
“... I feel Notre Dame’s offense will likely be an excessive amount of for this BYU protection, which permits 335.4 yards per sport. Combating Irish operating again Audric Estime has rushed for 210 yards and three touchdowns within the final two weeks. ND quarterback Drew Pyne threw for 289 yards and three touchdowns within the win over North Carolina.
- Prediction: Notre Dame 42, BYU 21