They certainly can cover IMO. But, will they? KW is not a RUTS kind of coach. Texas needed to do something big because of their first game debacle. Once Utah gets a solid lead, KW will let his 2nd and 3rd string play. This often leads to late scores which may keep us under the point spread. I think the 26 points may be about right considering how KW coaches. I think the odds makers know this about KW.
On the other hand, if I was KW – I would try to score fast, early and often in order to get the confidence of the offense up. They need to learn how to score. Of course at some point, you put in the reserves. I am just saying that I wouldn’t hold back at all in the first half. These guys are struggling in the red zone and need confidence going into conference play.