Utah vs. Cincinnati Prediction: Week 9 Odds, Picks & Best Bet (Oct. 31)
My best Utah vs. Cincinnati prediction highlights how home-field advantage could factor into this game for Cincinnati. Just one week removed from defeating previously unbeaten Texas Tech, Cincinnati is a 6.5-point underdog against No. 6 Utah. Below, I explain how Cincinnati's rushing attack could lead to the Bearcats pulling off another major upset.
Saturday's 3:45 p.m. game at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati will air on ESPN and stream on ESPN Unlimited.
Utah vs. Cincinnati picks & predictions
See all of our experts' college football picks for Week 9 based on the latest college football odds.
| Pick | Odds | Bet size |
|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati +6.5 | -105 via FanDuel | 2 units to profit 1.91 units |
| Under 57.5 | -106 via FanDuel | 1 unit to profit 0.94 units |
Picks submitted: Oct. 28 at 7:15 p.m. ET. Odds subject to change.
Total wagered: 3 units | Max profit: +2.85 units
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Utah vs. Cincinnati prediction & best bet
Check out all of our college football predictions for more analysis across this week's slate.
Cincinnati +6.5 (-105 via FanDuel)
Entering last week's game against Cincinnati, Texas Tech was allowing just 2.86 yards per carry, which ranked 12th nationally. Cincinnati rushed for 255 yards and averaged 6.4 yards per carry against the Red Raiders. Cole Tabb led the team with 173 yards and an average of 10.8 yards per carry. It was Tabb's third 100-yard game in four tries.
Utah leads the Big 12 in run defense, allowing just 88.29 yards per game. The Utes are also allowing just 3.2 yards per carry. However, I'm backing Cincinnati in this game because the Bearcats are averaging 5.99 yards per carry this season. That's tied for the second-best average in the country.
📡 SBR Edge: Cincinnati dominant on third down
Cincinnati's crowd will play a huge role on third down. Cincinnati allowed Texas Tech to convert just 20% of its third-down attempts last week. For the season, Cincinnati is allowing teams to convert 53.85% of their third-down attempts in road games but only 37.78% in home games.
Cincinnati's home-field advantage will be the difference
Cincinnati hasn't lost a home game this season, defeating Kansas State and Texas Tech in their last two games at Nippert Stadium. Cincinnati's already incredible rushing attack, which is averaging 204 yards per game against FBS opponents, is averaging 260 rushing yards per game in home contests.
Defensively, Cincinnati is a much better red-zone team at home than on the road. While Cincinnati ranks 63rd in opponent red-zone scoring percentage, giving up scores on 86.21% of opportunities, that percentage drops to 75% in home games. Nationally, that's the 36th-best opponent red-zone percentage in home games.
Utah has only played two road games this season, and the Utes weren't impressive in either. They barely held on for a 27-24 win over Colorado, and they led Iowa State by just seven with under three minutes remaining.
Play to: Cincinnati +3.5
Score prediction: Cincinnati 27, Utah 24
Live Utah vs. Cincinnati odds
See the latest odds movement and more on our Utah vs. Cincinnati page.
Utah vs. Cincinnati opening odds
- Moneyline: Utah -235 | Cincinnati +190
- Spread: Utah -6.5 (-110) | Cincinnati +6.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 55.5 (-110) | Under 55.5 (-110)
Utah vs. Cincinnati weather
The weather won't impact this game, as there's only a 10% chance of rain and winds are expected around 5 mph.
Latest Utah vs. Cincinnati injuries
Utah:
- JC Hart, CB - Out
Cincinnati:
- Gi'Bran Payne, RB - Out
How to watch Utah vs. Cincinnati: Week 9
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
- Kickoff: 3:45 p.m. ET
- Location: Nippert Stadium (Cincinnati)
- TV/Streaming: ESPN/ESPN Unlimited
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