Predicting the Final Score of Utah vs. Oregon State

The Utah Utes may be ranked, but they have the same exact 4-1 record as their next opponent, the Oregon State Beavers.

Utah’s one loss on the season came against Washington State, while Oregon State’s came against USC. However, it is the Utes who have victories over UCLA and Michigan (beating the Wolverines is unfortunately not much of an achievement this season).

Both teams give up a little over 20 points per game, but it is Utah’s offense that is averaging 39.6 PPG. Oregon State’s offense is averaging 28.2 points per contest.

The Utes are the favorites entering this matchup, but Oregon State will certainly have an edge playing at home. Regardless, if Utah can beat UCLA on the road, it can certainly beat the Beavers on the road.

With that said, I like QB Sean Mannion in this battle. In no way is he a Heisman contender, but people cannot forget that he threw 37 TDs in 2013. He is certainly not on that pace in 2014, as he only has five touchdowns, but you have to imagine the switch will flip sooner or later.

I am predicting that sooner or later to come in this one. And why not? The Pac-12, along with the rest of the country, is out of whack this year.

Sure, Utah is ranked and still has a shot at winning the Pac-12, but so does Oregon State (the Pac-12 part). When it is all said and done, I highly doubt either team achieves that feat, though.

Regardless, Mannion will strut his stuff in this one, and the Beavers will get the big win at home.

Prediction: Utah 28, Oregon State 38