SP+ Predicts BYU-Utah

ESPN's Bill Connelly cements his BYU-Utah prediction

It is rivalry week. Either BYU will snap a decade-long losing streak this weekend, or Utah will win a record 10th straight game against BYU. The Cougars are 1-0 after holding on to beat Arizona 24-16. The Utes are 1-0 with a victory over Weber State.

SP+, a predictive analytics tool created by ESPN's Bill Connelly, cemented its BYU-Utah prediction on Wednesday.

SP+ likes Utah to beat BYU 33-23.

😮📉 WEEK 2 SP+ PICKS 🗑️😢

Ohio St 38, Oregon 24
Iowa 26, Iowa St 24
Michigan 32, Washington 22
UGA 33, UAB 12
Texas 32, Arkansas 24
Utah 33, BYU 23

I'd love an ACTUAL 50-4 score in Wake-Norfolk. pic.twitter.com/CTZoFMCN1e

— Bill Connelly (@ESPN_BillC) September 8, 2021

A two-score win would be rare in this rivalry's recent history. Over the last ten BYU-Utah games, eight of the games were decided by eight points or less. 

ESPN FPI gives Utah a 57% chance to beat BYU. The betting lines favored Utah as well, the Utes opened as a seven-point favorite.

Below are this week's SP+ predictions for BYU's 2021 opponents

SP+ expects Arizona-San Diego State to be a tossup. The Wildcats have a 52% chance to beat the Aztecs.

SP+ favors Arizona State over UNLV with a projected final score of 44-12. The Sun Devils should be 2-0 when they come to Lavell Edwards Stadium next week.

USF is a major underdog against Florida this weekend with an expected final score of 42-13.

SP+ expects a close game between Utah State and FCS North Dakota. North Dakota has a 52% chance to beat the Aggies according to SP+

Boise State takes on UTEP after a close loss against UCF in the season opener. Boise State is a 22-point favorite according to SP+.

Baylor is a heavy favorite over Texas State.

Virginia is a favored by two touchdowns over Illinois.

Georgia Southern will take on Florida Atlantic on Saturday. FAU is favored by nine points according to SP+.

USC is a 27-point favorite over Stanford.