The Connecticut Huskies open the season Saturday against the Utah State Aggies at Maverik Stadium in Logan, Utah. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the UConn vs. Utah State odds, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.
The Huskies begin anew with coach Jim Mora Jr., looking to get back to respectability. It’s going to be a slow go, however, as the Huskies had a terribly inefficient offense last season, and the defense struggled mightily, too. Even with modest gains in both areas this will still be a bad team.
After an 11-win season, the Aggies return QB Logan Bonner under center, while adding versatile QB Levi Mitchell from Wyoming. They’re going to be fine on offense, especially since USU loaded up at receiver via the portal. The O-line has 5 starters back, and RB Calvin Tyler Jr. is a solid tailback, too.
This will be the 2nd-ever meeting between these schools. Utah State topped UConn 38-31 in Storrs back in 2001.
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UConn at Utah State odds
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 6:03 a.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): UConn +1300 (bet $100 to win $1,300) | Utah State -5000 (bet $5,000 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): UConn +27.5 (-112) | Utah State -27.5 (-108)
- Over/Under (O/U): 59.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
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UConn at Utah State picks and predictions
Prediction
Utah State 45, UConn 17
Money line
Betting Utah State (-5000) would mean you need to plop $100 down to win just $2. If that gets you going, more power to you, but that’s a terrible long-term wagering strategy. If you need $2 that badly, just check the change in your couch cushions.
AVOID.
Against the spread
The lean is to UTAH STATE -27.5 (-108), although it could be a close call if UConn +27.5 (-112) is able to surprisingly cobble together some points. The Huskies managed 17 or fewer points, including 2 shutouts, in 7 of their 12 games last season, and its only win was against FCS Yale, so don’t expect much.
Over/Under
The OVER 59.5 (-112) is worth playing here, as Utah State will do a lot of the heavy lifting and could easily get into the 50’s themselves. UConn won’t have to contribute much, if anything, to still cash a winning ticket for Over bettors.
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