
The No. 18Cincinnati Bearcats (7-1, 4-1 Big 12) have exceeded expectations this season under Scott Satterfield, but they enter Saturday’s trip to Salt Lake City shorthanded. With Evan Pryor (ankle) sidelined, the Bearcats will rely on a committee backfield and quarterback Brendan Sorsby to generate offense.
Meanwhile, the No. 24 Utah Utes (6-2, 4-1 Big 12) remain a top-tier physical program under Kyle Whittingham, anchored by their punishing front seven and the dual-threat playmaking of quarterback Devon Dampier. The line movement reflects the roster gap — Utah has climbed to a 10.5-point favorite, with the total steady near 47.5.
With Cincinnati down key weapons, this game sets up as a grind favoring Utah’s defense and ball-control tempo. The best betting value sits in targeted player props and pace-based totals.
Matchup: Cincinnati Bearcats at Utah Utes Location: Rice-Eccles Stadium (Salt Lake City, UT) Kickoff: Saturday, 7:30 PM ET Spread (est’d): Utah –10.5 Total (est’d): 47.5
Without Pryor, Cincinnati will have to air it out early and often. Sorsby has averaged 29.8 attempts per game, but that number should spike into the mid-30s as the Bearcats lean on short passes to mimic the run game. Expect volume, even if efficiency dips.
Dampier’s mobility has become Utah’s offensive X-factor. He’s cleared 55 rushing yards in four of his last five games, and Cincinnati’s defense has struggled to contain QB runs off scrambles and zone reads. With Utah likely playing from ahead, expect designed runs and scramble opportunities to push him past this number.
Utah’s top receiver has emerged as Dampier’s favorite downfield target, averaging 17.2 yards per catch. With Cincinnati’s secondary focused on stopping the run and pressuring the edges, Parks should find space on play-action crossers and corner routes. Expect one or two chunk plays to clear 60 yards.
Both teams prefer long, methodical drives and rely on defense to set tone. Without Pryor and Kiner, Cincinnati will struggle for consistent chunk plays, and Utah’s run-first attack bleeds clock. Even if Utah controls the game, the pace and possession count both favor a low-scoring final.
The best approach: play Sorsby Over pass attempts paired with Dampier Over rushing yards to capture both game scripts. Add Parks Over for Utah’s passing explosiveness and finish with the Under 47.5 for balance if Cincinnati stalls offensively.
Final Score Prediction: Utah 27, Cincinnati 13 Favorite Props: Sorsby Over Attempts, Dampier Over Rushing, Parks Over Yards, Under 47.5

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