TCU vs. Utah Prediction, Picks & Odds: Week 8

Utah has watched its College Football Playoff aspirations fade over the past few weeks as consecutive losses and another injury to the starting quarterback have put the Utes in a bind.

Our TCU vs. Utah prediction anticipates a difficult task for backup quarterback Isaac Wilson as he attempts to replace Rising and get the Utes back on track.

But can Utah keep up with the Horned Frogs' offense? Another loss will surely end any hope for Utah in the College Football Playoff odds race. 

While this matchup isn't the biggest in our Week 8 college football predictions, the Big 12 remains the most wide-open conference, so every game matters.

Best TCU vs. Utah picks

College football picks based on the odds from our best college football betting sites. Odds subject to change.

• Against the spread pick: TCU +3.5 () vs. Utah ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• My best bet: TCU Over 22.5 points () ⭐⭐⭐⭐

TCU vs. Utah against the spread prediction: Week 8

TCU to cover the spread: +3.5 (-110) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

TCU vs. Utah opening odds:

• TCU: +6.5 (-110)
• Utah: -6.5 (-110)

We’re getting in at a less favorable number after this line has moved from its opening mark of TCU +6.5 down to TCU +3.5. But we still see value in the Horned Frogs being able to cover this line as road underdogs against a backup quarterback on the other side.

Rising down (again)

The weekly saga of Cam Rising’s injury status can be put to rest for the time being as he was ruled out indefinitely this week. That means Wilson will lead the Utes against TCU - and that’s a concern for Utah after his efforts resulted in a 23-10 home loss to Arizona in his last start.

Entering this game off two straight losses, including Wilson’s start against the Wildcats, the Utes are 2-4 against the spread and 1-2 ATS at home. TCU has covered one road spread in three opportunities, securing an outright 11-point win at Kansas.

The news of Rising’s absence has moved this line, but being able to sneak out a cover even in a close TCU loss is still too valuable to ignore. Our best sportsbooks all list TCU at +3.5 with -110 odds, aside from less favorable -112 odds on that same line at DraftKings.

Best odds: -110 via BetMGM | Implied probability: 52.38%

TCU vs. Utah best bet

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TCU Over 22.5 points (-120) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

TCU has put up 34 or more points in every game but its most recent contest, a 30-19 home loss to Houston. The Horned Frogs have been more productive offensively in road games, scoring 38.0 points per game compared to 32.6 PPG at home.

After several staunch defensive performances to begin the season, Utah has permitted its last two opponents to score 23 and 27 points. Although defense is still the strength of the Utes, I’m not convinced they’ll completely shut down the third-ranked passing offense in the nation (351.8 passing yards per game).

DraftKings and BetMGM offer the TCU team total points at 22.5 with -120 odds on Over. FanDuel’s -122 odds aren’t quite as favorable, but FanDuel provides the option for an alternate line on TCU to score Over 23.5 points at -104 for those feeling extra confident.

Best odds: -120 via DraftKings | Implied probability: 54.55%

TCU vs. Utah odds

See all of this week's college football odds and NCAAF scores.

TCU vs. Utah game info

• When: Saturday, Oct. 19
• Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
• Where: Rice-Eccles Stadium (Salt Lake City, Utah)
• How to watch: ESPN
• Weather: 46 degrees, 0% chance of precipitation, wind 2 mph NE
• Favorite: Utah -3.5 (-108 via DraftKings)

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