Time to get the ball rolling on the bowl season. Will have write-ups soon. As for the first selection, We have Utah and BYU up shortly at 3 30 ET.
Now I am not going to go too deep on analysis here but I do like Utah in this spot vs a solid BYU team. Despite the loss of star TB Booker late in the year the Utes are more than capable with Joe Williams fillng in. They have an excellent run-blocking scheme and will face a decent BYU front that is physical but can be susceptible to zone-read runs. Wilson has had his moments this yr but as long as the chains are moving I look for him to convert critical short yardage situations with his arm and legs.
On defense the Utes match up well with Mangum and having played each other before they are familiar with some of their offensive tendencies. While BYU has been able for the most part to run up points on weaker competition they take a big step up here against a tough, ball-hawking Utes defense. Mangum is at times carefree with the ball and as the game wears on I expect him to force some throws into tight coverage.
Take the better defense here and a team that has held its own in the PAC12 this year.
UTAH -2.5 -115
GL.