4. Oregon State vs Utah State: Jimmy Kimmel Bowl presented by Stifel
LINE Oregon State -7
ATS PICK Oregon State
I’m a registered Power Five snob.
I’m not ashamed of it, and I’ll proudly proselytize to any and all about how much of a difference there almost always is in talent, resources, depth, facilities, and coaching between the Group of Five and Power Five programs.
With that said, I also pumped and promoted the Mountain West over and over and over again all year, especially when it was jumping on the Pac-12’s head.
Utah State was part of the fun in a win over Washington State to open the season, but Oregon State held up the Pac-12’s honor with a win over Hawaii.
The Power Five team is going to care in the first Power Five vs. Group of Five matchup of the bowl season.
You’re absolutely right to always be freaked out when it comes to these types of games. Maybe the Power Five team really isn’t as good as the Group of Five. Or maybe the P5er has my snotty attitude that it’s above a game like this.
Don’t expect that here – Oregon State hasn’t been to a bowl game since 2013. This game is a big deal.
I will warn you with this, though. If you like Utah State – besides just the high-powered offense – Oregon State’s 1-5 record on the road should help your belief system.
On the flip side, I like the Beaver offensive line, the ability to control the clock and game on third downs, and the potential of the running game to go off.
Go ahead and throw in a few Aggie turnovers while you’re at it.