Utah State vs Utah
Written by Jordan Haimowitz - Google +
The Aggies from Utah State open their 2009 season against in state powerhouse Utah. Utah State finished 3-9 last season doing just about everything poorly. Their defense was a joke while they never had any consistency on the offensive end. All of the woes led to the firing of then head coach Brent Guy. One bright spot for this team headed into the season is Junior quarterback Diondre Borrell. Last season he put up 1705 yards threw the air and rushed for 632 on the ground. He combined for 16 TDs overall. The name though to remember headed into tonight’s game is sophomore running back Robert Turbin. Last season he rushed for 485 yards and 8 TDs as a freshman averaging 4.6 yards per carry. So, The Aggies certainly will have impact players returning and should have a bit more cohesiveness. Head Coach Gary Anderson has high expectations of this defense especially of NFL potential safety James Brindley who is lightning quick and a good cover man. So, expect State to be much more competitive then they were last year as they have some playmakers who could make things interesting. They face a multi talented Utes team tonight who can beat you in every facet of the game. Now, before you go placing your wagers, understand that the spread being as high as it is plays into this selection deeper then one would think. Considering Utah State has some offensive weapons, a late score to cover the spread is entirely possible. Utah State has been solid ATS in recent years and usually play games tighter when they are 20+ underdogs. Tonight they are getting 20.5 at Utah. Expect Borrell to play no better then decent but do look for James Brindley to be a factor on the defensive end. Thursday’s lines are posted and have Utah -21 over Utah State with the over/under set for 52 points.
The Utah Utes enter the 2009 season as the 19th ranked team in the AP poll and the 18th in the Coaches poll. They were the story of last season beating Alabama in the Sugar Bowl 31-17 which added more fuel to the fire in bringing in a playoff system to college football. The little team from the Mountain West put the hammer down on an SEC big dog, sounds awkward doesn’t it? None the less this is a new season with new goals and most importantly to note, MANY new faces. Star quarterback Brian Johnson graduated which leaves them pondering how Junior Corbin Louks will fill those shoes. Brian Johnson was the MWC offensive player of the year so off a hunch i would have to say the growing pains will be big. However, the Utes will also miss WR Freddie Brown deeply as well. Freddie totaled 900 yards and 7 TDs last season catching 77 passes as Utah’s #1 weapon down the field. Hold the phone, the losses do not end there, #2 WR Brent Casteel has graduated as well so they will be without his 564 receiving yards and 4 TDs. The combination on seniors David Reed and Aiona Key will be counted on to pick up the slack for a team that will look completely different this season. On the defensive end Utah has not lost anything to note. They return nine starters for a defensive unit that is stout. 23-year old junior Paul Kruger is the man who causes havoc for opposing quarterbacks. Tonight Kruger and crew faces an offense that is not consistently dangerous but certainly has the talent to make a big play or two. Utah fans, while yes, you certainly should not lose this game, be ready for what could be a closer contest then the experts may think. The experience factor is an edge for the road team, so come ready to play because I firmly believe Utah State will.
Haimo’s Hot Notes: Utah State is 6-3-1 ATS in their last 10 games overall. State also has gone 7-3-1 in their last 11 road games against the spread. Utah is 7-3 in their last 10 games ATS. However, as stated above their ENTIRE offensive arsenal has been depleted. Utah is -20.5 points in this game which i find very odd considering how much they have lost as well as the fact this is the first game of the season. In no way am I making Utah State out to be a killer here, but I will not rule out a possible 24-20 type of a game. Picks below.
Jordan’s Free Picks: Utah State +21 & Under 52
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