Idaho vs Utah Prediction 9/3/2026 Today’s College Football Picks

In this article we will formulate an Idaho vs Utah prediction for this College Football game on Thursday, September 3rd at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 1 matchup. 

Idaho Vandals Betting Preview

The Idaho Vandals are 0-1 this season after they lost to Cal Poly by a score of 38-34 last week. Idaho trailed 21-10 at halftime, but they led 31-24 in the fourth, before allowing a touchdown with nine seconds left for the loss. The Vandals were out gained by a total of 516-482, went 5-12 on third downs, and tied the turnover battle at zero in the game. Joshua Wood threw for 363 yards and two touchdowns, while Tony Harste caught nine passes for 180 yards and two scores. Ferrari Miller rushed 12 times for 44 yards and one touchdown in the loss. 

Idaho went 4-8 (2-6) last season and they finished tied for eighth in the Big Sky standings. Idaho opened the season with a 13-10 loss at Washington State and they also lost to San Jose State 31-28 in week four. The Vandals were 2-1 through three games, but they finished the season by going 2-7. Idaho scored 20 points or fewer in each of their last three games and they were just 1-5 on the road. The Vandals did defeat Wyoming 17-13 in 2024 and Nevada 33-6 in 2023, but lost to Oregon State 42-0 in 2021. 

Utah Utes Betting Preview

The Utah Utes were 11-2 (7-2) last year and they finished third in the Big 12 standings. Utah did play one FCS team in 2025, which was a 63-9 win over Cal Poly. The Utes started the season with a 5-2 record, but they finished with six straight wins, including a 44-22 win over Nebraska in the Las Vegas Bowl. Utah lost to BYU and Texas Tech last year, but they scored at least 44 points in five of their last six games. The Utes scored 41.3 points per game in 2025, while they allowed 18.9 points against per game on defense. 

This season, Utah will have a new coach, as Whittingham is now at Michigan. The Utes will have Devon Dampier back at quarterback, who was fantastic last year as a passer and runner. The ground game should be elite again this season and the receivers are good enough for the offense to be very solid. On defense, Utah was very good in 2025, but they have to replace a lot of production. The Utes have been great defensively over the last few seasons, but it might take a step back this year. 

Why the Utah Utes will win

• Utah has won 22 of its last 23 games as an AP-ranked team against a non-AP-ranked team at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
• Utah has covered the spread in each of its last four home openers as a favorite.

Why the Idaho Vandals will win

• Utah has failed to cover the spread in three of its last four home games in September.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Utah’s last four games at Rice-Eccles Stadium have gone OVER the total points line.

Utah Utes Player Prop Facts

• Jackson Bennee was one of only 10 players to record at least one interception in three consecutive appearances last season.

Matchup/League Facts

• Utah ranked 3rd among FBS teams for H2 points per game last season (20.5).
• Utah ranked 3rd among FBS teams for 3rd down conversion percentage last season (52.6).

Idaho vs Utah Prediction 

Utah rolls into this matchup expecting a big win and I think that is exactly what will happen. The Utah defense may not be quite as good, but it won’t matter against Idaho. The Vandals are coming off of a 4-8 season and I just don’t see them getting enough stops. Dampier and the Utah offense should score 45+ points, as they get ready for a big matchup with Arkansas in week two. Take Utah to cover this big number at home.

David Racey's Pick: Utah -34.5