No. 17 Utah Utes (1-0) ATS 0-1, O/U 1-0 vs. San Jose State Spartans (0-1) ATS 0-1, O/U 1-0 Saturday September 12, 2009 10:30 p.m. EST
By Wilson of Predictem.com
Point Spread: Utah -14/SJS +14
Over/Under: 48
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The last time these two teams met was a year ago when the Utes ran over the Spartans 49-17. Utah finished the season undefeated and some argued that they may have been the best football team in America. Of course they still get shafted because of their strength of schedule, but the Utes have been consistently good for a while now.
Utes QB, Terrance Cain made his debut for Utah with great expectations, and those were met when the junior college transfer went off for 286 yards on 20 of 30 passing and 2 touchdowns. Cain did throw one interception but it really didnt bother him too much as he continued to pick apart the Utah State defense.
Along with Cains solid play was a career rushing effoert by Matt Asiata who picked up 156 yards and 2 touchdowns on 36 carries. Also helping balance out the offensive attack was wide receiver David Reed who pulled in 10 catches for 172 yards and a TD as well.
The win for Utah extended the countrys longest win streak to 15 games in a row while handing Utah State their 12th consecutive opening day loss. The Utes proved to be efficient both on the ground and through the air as they picked over 200 yards rushing and passing and total over 500 yards of offense. An area of concern for Utah is their three turnovers during the game. However, Utah State could not take advantage of the TOs as they went 0-12 on 3rd down conversions.
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The Utes will be a handful for the Spartans this weekend as they travel to San Jose for another chance to keep the win streak alive by getting their 16th in a row. Will SJS have an answer for the Utes or will it be business as usual for Utah?
San Jose State was on top of the world last Saturday when they jumped to a 3-0 lead over then No. 4 USC Trojans in the first quarter. Then the second quarter started, and then the third and fourth! Oh yeah, thats when the Trojans scored 56 unanswered points to close out the game.
SJS QB Kyle Reed is a senior who didnt have the best of games versus USC but what do you expect against a giant like the Trojans? Reeds longest completion last week was for 7 yards as he only threw for a total of 66 yards on 9 of 17 passing.
It is safe to say that Utah should be in great shape to get win number 16 this weekend and extend their nation wide win streak. SJS is currently a 14 point dog at home. The Utes have a ton of fire power which will make it real difficult for the Spartan defense to contain but a home field crowd may factor into the strategy and create some much needed magic in San Jose.
Head coach Dick Tomey of San Jose knows his guys will need to be well prepared if they intend to knock off the Utes. Tomey also understands that to get better you must look forward to facing tough opponents, its too bad they have to go back to back with USC and then try to kill the Utes streak.
Wilsons Pick: I love upset scenarios just as much as the next guy but this game is all Utes. Utah 45, SJS 17. Luck to ya.