By Greg Dempson
Pinnacle Odds: Utah Utes -6 vs Indiana Hoosiers +6 Total 54
Utah’s ground game got a huge boost when senior running back Joe Williams came out of retirement to rush for 1,185 yards. This feat was accomplished even though he missed four games before he decided to “un retire!” Utah is a TOP, (time of possession,) team as they held the ball for an average of 33:35 and backed that up with an solid defense as well as special teams play as their punter, Mitch Wishnowsky won the Ray Guy Award as he had best net punting average in the nation at 44.9 yards per punt. I give Utah a substantial edge in special teams in this game.
The Utes stumbled at the end of the season losing three out of their last four games but they did have an impressive win vs. USC and they also defeated their inter-state rival, BYU and finished the season at 8–4.
The Hoosiers finished their regular season at 6–6 but are without their head coach Kevin Wilson who resigned on the 1st of December. Defensive coordinator Tom Allen has been named head coach. Allen improved the Hoosiers from 112th to 41st nationally in total defense as well as improving the team from 117th to 57th in scoring defense.
Between the Lines
- My computer power ratings suggest the Utes should be 9 point favorites and the line is currently –6.
- In the take-a-way department Utah was +7 for the season while Indiana was –7, edge to the Utes.
- As for special teams, I have Utah at #36 vs. a ranking of #52 for Indiana.
- The Utes are 15–04 record in bowl games, including a 9–1 mark under head coach Kyle Whittingham.
- Utah rated the edge in strength of schedule at #36 vs. an SOS of #51 for Indiana.
- Hoosiers quarterback Richard Lagow passed for 3,174 yards and 18 touchdowns as their starter but he also threw 16 interceptions, including 5 in his last four games.
- Utah’s head coach Whittingham is 8–0 ATS in road games after a loss by 6 or less points while the team has a history of 15–05 ATS in road games after a loss by 6 points or less.
- Indiana is 05–18 ATS when playing with two or more weeks of rest.
- Utah is 31–13 ATS when playing with two or more weeks of rest and the Utes are 13–04 ATS in Bowl games.
My Previous Bowl Selection in Review
- I’m 1–0–1 ATS with my two Bowl selections as my last pick on Wyoming +10.5 points covered vs. BYU, (33–27.) My overall College record for this season is now 10–04 –01.
College Bowl Pick
My selection for tonight’s Foster Farms Bowl is on the Utah Utes at –5.5 (-117) and -6 is good as well.