Utah looks to make it three straight wins to open the season when Utah State visits Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday, September 19. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX.

The Utes are 2-0 after beating Arkansas 43-10, while the Aggies fell to 0-2 with a 16-14 loss at Washington. Utah State kept that game close, but faces another difficult road assignment against an offense that has scored 109 points through two games.

My Utah State vs Utah prediction focuses on ball security and the Utes’ ability to finish drives. Below are my best pick, score projection, and the latest college football odds .

Utah State has committed seven turnovers without forcing a takeaway through two games. That is a difficult deficit to overcome against any opponent, and particularly against a Utah team that has already scored 13 red-zone touchdowns. Giving this offense short fields is asking for trouble.

Wayshawn Parker gives Utah a threat as both a runner and receiver. He has 124 rushing yards and 88 receiving yards through two games, with at least three scrimmage touchdowns in each. He does not need a huge rushing total to make an impact near the goal line.

That versatility is a problem for the Aggies. Committing extra defenders to the run leaves fewer bodies to track receivers, while playing lighter boxes gives Utah more room to run the ball. I expect the Utes to keep moving the ball without forcing difficult throws.

Utah State’s performance at Washington is the strongest argument against laying this many points. The Aggies allowed only 16 in a two-point loss, showing they can make a more talented opponent work for its points. They need that defensive effort again, along with a much cleaner day in possession.

Utah has allowed opponents to complete just 42.3% of their passes this season. If the Aggies fall behind and have to throw more often, it makes their path back into the game harder. The Utes can protect a lead by forcing Utah State to sustain drives through the air.