UCLA at Utah odds, expert picks: Freshman Dante Moore gets test against defending Pac-12 champs

Posted by Abbie Anker on Tuesday, June 11, 2024

The UCLA Bruins and Utah Utes will begin the Pac-12 portion of their schedules on Saturday in what should be a fun day of college football. For the first time this season, the Bruins will enter a contest in the unfamiliar position of being an underdog.

Let’s state the obvious: It’s a shame this conference is getting ready to go up in flames at one of its highest points, at least in football, in recent memory. Eight Pac-12 schools are ranked nationally, including these two, making Saturday’s clash a matchup with seemingly a lot on the line.

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If you’re headed to the sportsbook for this one, keep your ears open throughout the week for updates on the status of Utah’s star quarterback, Cameron Rising. Rising hasn’t yet returned to action since tearing his ACL in last season’s Rose Bowl, but is rumored to be creeping closer to seeing the field.

With or without Rising, the Utes’ quarterback duo of Nate Johnson and Bryson Barnes has filled in nicely en route to Utah’s 3-0 record. Whichever quarterback(s) plays for Utah will go up against the Pac-12’s leader in the fewest points allowed per game.

As the Utes are finding success in replacing the production of their usual QB1, the Bruins are facing the challenge of ushering in a new quarterback following five seasons of Dorian Thompson-Robinson. So far, freshman quarterback Dante Moore has lived up to his recruiting hype with more than 600 yards and seven touchdown passes against one interception. He’ll be tested in Salt Lake City against a solid Utah defense.

All odds from BetMGM. Looking for College Football tickets? Find them here.

What is the spread for UCLA at Utah?

Expert picks against the spread

How to watch and stream UCLA at Utah

Saturday’s conference clash between the Bruins and Utes is set for 3:30 p.m. ET at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. The game will air on FOX and can be streamed on the Fox Sports app.

Pregame reading

Pac-12 football thoughts: Ranking the league’s nonconference resumes

What’s happening with the Pac-12’s court battle?

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(Photo of Dante Moore: Harry How / Getty Images)

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