Utah Utes vs BYU Cougars Prediction and Picks - October 18, 2025
Use Code WWWC College football action on Saturday evening within the Big 12, and we have a Utah vs BYU Prediction ready to rock and roll. Utah comes in off a strong 42-10 home win over Arizona State to move to 5-1 on the year. BYU is now at 6-0 on the year after a 33-27 win over Arizona on the road. BYU won last year's meeting 22-21. Can Utah get revenge? Read on to see our Utah vs BYU prediction.
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The Utes Crush Arizona State At Home
Utah enters the Holy War with a bruising identity built around quarterback Devon Dampier’s dual-threat versatility and a top-tier defense. Dampier has thrown for 1,131 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions, while rushing for 378 yards and 5 scores, averaging 63.0 rushing yards per game. The Utes rank 8th nationally in rushing offense at 248.2 yards per game, and 24th in total offense at 459.7 yards. Running backs Wayshawn Parker and NaQuari Rogers have combined for 633 yards and 9 touchdowns, while wideout Ryan Davis leads the team with 416 receiving yards on 39 catches. Utah’s offense converts 60.0% of third downs—best in the FBS—and scores on 96.6% of red zone trips, ranking 8th nationally.
The Utes’ offensive line has been dominant, allowing Dampier time to operate and opening lanes for the run game. Utah averages 6.4 yards per carry and has committed just 6 turnovers, tied for 36th nationally. The team’s point-per-play average sits at 0.5, good for 25th in the FBS, and they’ve scored 39.5 points per game, ranking 16th. While the passing game is modest at 211.5 yards per game, the efficiency and balance make Utah difficult to defend. If Dampier continues to extend plays and the backs stay productive, Utah has the tools to control tempo and wear down BYU’s front.
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Defensively, Utah has been elite, allowing just 13.8 points per game and 293.5 total yards, including 153.7 passing yards—ranking 11th nationally. Defensive lineman John Henry Daley leads the team with 8 sacks and 7 TFLs, while linebacker Johnathan Hall and safety Jackson Bennee have combined for 51 tackles and 2 interceptions. The Utes have forced 7 turnovers and rank 19th in total defense, consistently winning early downs and collapsing pockets. Against BYU’s run-heavy attack, Utah’s ability to control the line of scrimmage and limit explosive plays will be critical.
BYU Off To A 6-0 Start
BYU enters Week 8 undefeated and riding high after a 33–27 win over Arizona, where quarterback Bear Bachmeier accounted for 261 total yards and 3 touchdowns. Bachmeier has thrown for 1,220 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions, while rushing for 327 yards and 4 scores. The Cougars rank 11th nationally in rushing offense at 238.0 yards per game, and 29th in total offense at 448.2 yards. Running back LJ Martin has been a workhorse, racking up 652 yards and 4 touchdowns on 101 carries, while wideout Chase Roberts leads the receiving corps with 420 yards and 3 scores. BYU’s offense averages 37.5 points per game, ranking 21st nationally, and thrives on physicality and clock control.
The Cougars rank 10th in time of possession, holding the ball for 33:05 per game, and have committed just 6 turnovers, matching Utah’s ball security. Bachmeier’s completion rate sits at 63.2%, and while the passing game is modest at 210.2 yards per game, BYU’s ability to grind out drives and finish in the red zone has been consistent. Parker Kingston adds a vertical threat with 117 yards and a touchdown last week, and the offensive line has allowed Bachmeier to operate freely. If BYU can establish the run and keep Dampier off the field, they’ll be in position to dictate the game’s rhythm.
Defensively, BYU has been quietly dominant, allowing just 14.7 points per game and 263.5 total yards, including 159.3 passing yards—ranking 13th nationally. The Cougars have forced 10 turnovers, including 7 interceptions, and rank 2nd in points allowed per play at 0.2. Linebackers Ben Bywater and Max Tooley anchor a unit that’s disciplined and aggressive, while the secondary has limited opponents to 5.5 yards per pass attempt, ranking 9th in the FBS. Against Utah’s run-heavy scheme, BYU’s ability to stack the box and contain Dampier’s mobility will be pivotal.
Utah vs BYU Pick
Utah vs BYU Spread Pick
- BYU +3.5 (4 Units)
BYU +3.5 is a sharp position in a rivalry game where physicality, ball control, and defensive discipline favor the undefeated Cougars. Bear Bachmeier has accounted for 12 total touchdowns and leads a run-heavy offense that ranks 11th nationally in rushing, with LJ Martin averaging 108.7 yards per game. BYU holds the ball for over 33 minutes per game, and Utah’s defense—while elite—hasn’t faced a team this committed to tempo and trench warfare. With a +4 turnover margin and a top-10 red zone scoring rate, BYU has the tools to keep this close and potentially steal it late.
Defensively, BYU has allowed just 14.7 points per game and ranks 13th nationally in total defense, including 159.3 passing yards and 104.2 rushing yards. Utah’s offense is explosive on the ground but one-dimensional, and BYU’s front seven has the depth and discipline to contain Devon Dampier’s mobility. The Cougars have forced 10 turnovers and rank 2nd in points allowed per play, showing an ability to bend without breaking. If BYU controls field position and forces Utah into third-and-long, they’re well-positioned to cover and extend their perfect season.
Utah vs BYU Over/Under Pick
- Under 49.5 (5 Units)
Under 49.5 is in play with two defenses ranked top-20 nationally and offenses that lean on clock control over tempo. Utah allows just 13.8 points per game, and BYU isn’t far behind at 14.7, with both teams ranking top-10 in time of possession. Explosive plays will be limited, and both quarterbacks are more efficient than aggressive. If red zone trips turn into field goals and drives stretch into long possessions, this game could stay well under the number.
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