Free Pick: LA Bowl at Los Angeles 12/18/21

OREGON STATE 7-5 vs. UTAH STATE 10-3

This game features a middle-of-the-road Oregon State from the PAC-12 against the surprising Mountain West champion Utah State. The Aggies aren’t getting much respect in this game and they are actually the underdog. Oregon State has been up and down all season and is fully capable of winning. This should be an interesting game.

THE MATCHUPS:

Oregon State: Looking at the stats, nothing really stands out about the Beavers, except they are rushing the ball well behind, B.J. Baylor (1,276 yards and 13 touchdowns). That could cause some problems for Utah State, if the Beavers are able to run the ball and control the clock. So, that is a key matchup to watch. Defensively, they are average in every category. In a key four-game stretch in which they went 1-3, they gave up an average of 35 points per game. Emotionally and motivationally there is no reason for them to not be ready to play.

Utah State: The Aggies have quietly had a great year in a season when nothing was expected of them. Their three best wins have come against Washington State, Air Force, and San Diego State in the Mountain West Championship game. The rest of their schedule was weak and they took advantage of it. They are led by quarterback, Logan Bonner who has thrown for 3,560 yards and 36 touchdowns and his main target has been Deven Thompson who has 96 catches for 1,589 yards and 9 touchdowns. Defensively, they are very similar to Oregon State. In their three losses, they gave up an average of 35 points per game.

OVER/UNDER: 67 Combined Team Points I have a pretty good feeling that this line is too high. I like the UNDER 67 combined points.

POINT SPREAD: Oregon State is a 7-point favorite I’m thinking this is a game where there might be an upset. Utah State has got to be upset that they are an underdog against an average 7-5 team from the mediocre PAC-12.

DUDES WHO BET SPORTS PICK: Utah State +7