Utah vs. BYU Prediction and Picks for Saturday, October 18th, 2025
Use Code SSWC There are a ton of high-leverage college football games this weekend, and one of the primetime matchups is an intrastate rivalry between the #23 Utah Utes (5-1,2-1 B12) and the #15 BYU Cougars (6-0, 3-0 B12). We’ve got you covered with our Utah vs. BYU prediction. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 ET from LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, UT. Don’t get sacked this football season! Try our College Football Picks!
#23 Utes Beat Sun Devils, Move to 5-1
Coach Kyle Whittingham is now in his 21st season as the lead man of the Utah Utes football program, and he has turned them into a perennial contender. The Utes look like a force once again in 2025, getting out to a 5-1 start. Their lone loss came at home against a loaded Texas Tech (34-10) team on September 20th. Utah has since bounced back with commanding victories over West Virginia (48-14) and #21 Arizona State (42-10). They have two more ranked opponents on the schedule in #15 BYU and #24 Cincinnati, and the Utes are priced at +350 to make the CFP.
It’s the junior transfer quarterback from New Mexico, Devon Dampier, leading the offense this season. The signal caller has thrown for 1,183 yards on a 71.5% completion rate, adding 11 touchdowns and three interceptions. Dampier (378 yards, 5 TD) is also the lead rusher, and the top back is RB Wayshawn Parker (335 yards, 3 TD). WR Ryan Davis is the top performer out wide, hauling in 39 passes for 416 yards and two touchdowns.
- Offensively, the Utes are scoring 34.8 points per game (22nd), while averaging 448.0 yards per week (21st).
- Defensively, they are 10th in the country this year, conceding 14.8 points per game. They’re allowing 310.4 yards per contest, which is 20th.
#15 Cougars Stay Perfect at 6-0
Like Coach Whittingham, Coach Kalani Sitake has turned his BYU Cougars team into a force on the national stage. The Cougars seem to be getting more respect now that they’ve moved into a conference after being Independent for so long. This is their third year as members of the Big 12, and BYU went 11-2 (7-2 B12) last season and the Cougs are 6-0 (3-0 B12) in 2025. BYU rolled over Stanford (27-3) and East Carolina (34-13) during non-conference play, and they kept the momentum by notching Big 12 wins against Colorado (24-21), West Virginia (38-24), and Arizona (33-27 2OT), most recently.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
Freshman QB Bear Bachmeier leads the offense this season, and he has amassed 1,220 passing yards on a 63.2% completion rate. Bachmeier owns an 8/3 TD/INT ratio. He also has 71 rush attempts for 295 yards (4.2 YPC) and seven touchdowns, but RB LJ Martin is the lead back with 652 yards and four touchdowns on 101 totes (6.5YPC). WR Chase Roberts is Bachmeier’s favorite target, registering 22 catches for 420 yards and three touchdowns.
- BYU’s offense has been solid this season, ranking 39th in scoring (31.2 PPG), while putting up 417.0 yards per game (39th).
- On the defensive side, the Cougars are 17th this season, allowing 17.6 points per game. In terms of yardage, they’re 19th, conceding 306.0 yards per contest.
Utah vs. BYU Pick
Spread Pick for Utah vs. BYU
- BYU Cougars +3.5 (-115) (5 units)
I think Utah is the better overall team in this matchup. I expect the Utes and their veteran offense to take care of business, but I’m not willing to lay more than a field goal’s worth of points in this one. I mean, what has BYU, who’s 6-0 SU this season, and 8-0 SU and 5-2 ATS dating back to last year, shown us that they’re susceptible to taking a loss?
My biggest concern with BYU would be their freshman quarterback, Bear Bachmeier. However, the young signal caller will have his home crowd behind him. At home, his completion rate improves to 66.7% and he owns a 4/1 TD/INT ratio. The “hook” with the 3.5 could very much matter in this huge rivalry matchup, and I’m willing to take the points with the home team. Give me the Cougars +3.5.
Over/Under Pick for Utah vs. BYU
- Under 49.5 (-115) (5 units)
This total is appropriate, but I’m going to play the under. This is one of those matchups where you kind of just throw out some of the statistics since it’s a rivalry. The under is 4-2 in the last six meetings between the teams, and 6-1 in the last seven meetings in Provo.
Both of these defenses have been elite this season as well. Against FBS-level competition, BYU is only allowing 17.6 points per game. In the same category, Utah is conceding 14.8 points per game. We have two running quarterbacks, and this has translated to the stat sheet as well, since both schools rank inside the top 15 in rushing play percentage. Look for a run-heavy, physical rivalry game on Saturday night. Give me the under!
Experience what the pros are betting — on the house. Get your first expert pick free today when you use coupon code FREE at checkout. [CLAIM NOW]
Betting on College Football?
- Bet with other College Football fans at the best sportsbooks
- Sign up today and get started with the latest college football sportsbook promos
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
