Utah vs Cincinnati Picks and Prediction for Saturday October 31, 2026
The No. 6 Utah Utes will travel to Cincinnati, Ohio, Saturday afternoon for a Big 12 showdown against the Cincinnati Bearcats inside Nippert Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:45 PM ET, with coverage available on ESPN. Utah comes into Saturday perfect through seven games played after a 7-point home victory against Houston last week. The Cincinnati Bearcats also stay home this week, 5-2 on the year, having won three of the last five after a 13-point victory over Texas Tech last week ended a two-game losing streak. Utah comes into Saturday as a 7-point favorite and is -270 on the money line. Cincinnati is +220, and the total is 56.5. Follow along with our College Football Picks.
Utah looks to stay unblemished
Devon Dampier is leading the Utah offense this season with 1616 yards and 15 touchdowns on 136 completions along with 348 yards and 5 scores on 74 carries. Wayshawn Parker leads the way out of the Utah backfield with 644 yards and eight touchdowns on 102 carries. Braden Pegan leads the team with 459 yards and six touchdowns on 34 receptions.
Defensively, Utah made the plays a week ago, giving up just 13 points on 368 yards after forcing 1 turnover in the win. Offensively, Utah compiled 430 yards and scored all 21 points in the second half. Devon Dampier led Utah last week, completing 18 passes for 204 yards and ran the ball 15 times for a team high of 150 yards and two scores. Wayshawn Parker added a second-best 47 yards and one score on 13 carries. Creed Whittemore led the team with 53 yards on 4 receptions.
Cincinnati hunts another upset
JC French IV is leading the Cincinnati offense this season with 1510 yards and 13 touchdowns on 127 completions, along with 291 yards and six scores on 75 carries. Cole Tabb leads Cincinnati with 621 yards and 9 scores on 65 carries, and Gi’Bran Payne has added a second-best 418 yards and two scores on 69 carries. JV Gibson leads the team with 385 yards and four scores on 29 receptions. Malachi Henry has added nine catches for 271 yards and two scores.
Offensively, Cincinnati rolled last week, scoring 37 points, including 24 in the first half on 427 yards. Defensively, Cincinnati made the plays, giving up 400 yards and 24 points but forced 3 turnovers in the win. JC French IV led Cincinnati last week, completing 19 passes for 172 yards and 4 scores. Cole Tabb had a team-high 173 yards and one touchdown on 16 carries. Zylan Perry and JV Gibson both led Cincinnati with four catches and 43 yards each.
Utah vs Cincinnati Picks and Prediction
Pick: Utah -7
Utah has been one of the most consistent teams in college football this season, but the Utes will face a difficult road test against a Cincinnati team coming off an impressive victory. The biggest advantage for Utah will be its ability to establish the running game and control the pace of play. Wayshawn Parker has been productive carrying the football, and quarterback Devon Dampier gives the Utes another weapon with his ability to extend plays. Cincinnati has shown defensive weaknesses throughout the season, particularly when opponents establish an offensive rhythm. Utah should be able to capitalize on those issues while relying on its defense to limit Cincinnati's explosive plays. Expect the Utes to remain undefeated with a victory by more than a touchdown.
Pick: Under 56.5
Cincinnati has been involved in several high-scoring games this season, but Utah should be able to slow things down with its physical approach. The Utes have allowed just 13 points in each of their last two home games, and their defense has been particularly effective at preventing opponents from sustaining scoring drives. Cincinnati will have opportunities to move the football, especially playing in front of its home crowd, but Utah's ability to control possession should limit the number of opportunities for both offenses. Look for the Utes to lean heavily on their rushing attack, keep the clock moving, and turn this matchup into a more physical contest.