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Idaho (0-1) at Utah (0-0)
- When: Sep 3 2026, 9:00 PM
- Where: Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT
- Where to watch: ESPNU
Idaho vs (21) Utah Preview & Prediction
Spread: Utah -35.0
Moneyline: Utah (-25000)
Total: 58.5
No. 21 Utah opens the Morgan Scalley era as a massive 35-point favorite, because apparently the MyBookie oddsmakers expect Idaho to spend Thursday night sightseeing in Salt Lake City.
Scalley replaced Kyle Whittingham after Utah finished 11-2 and beat Nebraska 44-22 in the Las Vegas Bowl. The philosophy remains physical football, but the offense should have considerably more juice under new coordinator Kevin McGiven.
Dampier Gets the Keys
Quarterback Devon Dampier is the main reason Utah’s offense could become much more dangerous. He produced 2,490 passing yards with 24 touchdowns last season while adding 835 rushing yards and 10 scores.
Wayshawn Parker gives him another major weapon after leading the Big 12 with 6.6 yards per carry. Then there’s Semi Taulanga, a 5-foot-11, 317-pound converted defensive tackle playing tight end. Yes, Utah basically created a refrigerator that runs routes.
Idaho Can Score
Idaho already owns an 0-1 record after blowing a late lead in a 38-34 loss to Cal Poly. Quarterback Joshua Wood threw for 363 yards, while Tony Harste caught nine passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns.
Wood also threw 21 touchdowns in only 10 games last season, so Utah’s defense cannot completely sleepwalk through this one.
The bigger problem is Idaho’s defense. The Vandals surrendered 197 rushing yards last week, and now Parker, Dampier and Utah’s physical offensive line are coming through the front door.
Good luck with that.
LVSB Betting Prediction
Utah has enormous advantages in depth, defense and rushing efficiency. Idaho’s offense has enough firepower to contribute to the scoreboard, but stopping Utah for four quarters looks like a much bigger issue.
LVSB Pick: Utah -35
Total Lean: Over 58.5
Score Prediction: Utah 52, Idaho 15
- NCAA Football Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
