Utah is picked to win by 21.5 points. That’s a lot of points. In my biased mind and based off what I have seen from the Utes the last few weeks – I think we could cover. On the other side, Cal has only allowed more than 21 points once this season. UW scored 19. Let’s say we did as well as UW and scored three touchdowns and shut Cal out – we would still not cover. Also, it is very hard to shut out any team because it is more than just your defense; i.e. turnovers, kick returns, blocked kicks, bad punts, penalties, etc. All of these mistakes could lead to scores. I would think, just off of field positions and other mistakes, that Cal will score about 10 points. That means we would have to score 32 to cover.
Cal’s offense is not good, in part because of injuries. However, their defense is very good and scores will not come easy. We may be helped by our defense creating turnovers which could put us in scoring position.
So, if I had to bet (and I wouldn’t) I think I would bet against Utah covering even though in my heart I think they can. If I was sure Huntley was 100%, I may feel differently. I am very confident that we will win, I am just not sure we will cover and I know Whitt doesn’t care if we do or not.
Go Utes!