Utah vs Cincinnati Prediction 10/31/2026 Today’s College Football Picks

Utah vs Cincinnati Prediction

Cincinnati has the offensive horses to give Utah problems, but I’m afraid of that defense. The Bearcats are 126th in total defense, 134th in passing defense, and 95th in scoring defense. It’s why Cincinnati lost to West Virginia and Arizona. It’s also a bit of a letdown spot for Cincinnati after upsetting Texas Tech as a double-digit underdog.

Utah is one of the most balanced teams in college football, undefeated, and 6-1 ATS. Utah has not given us a reason to bet against it. Utah has covered 7 of its last 8 games overall. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it, folks. I’ll lay the touchdown with the Utes on the road.

Utah Utes Betting Preview

The Utah Utes beat Colorado and Houston, and they play BYU next. Utah has won 13 straight. Devon Dampier is completing 68.7 percent of his passes for 1,616 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. Braden Pegan and Creed Whittemore have combined for 765 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns, while Noah Bennee has 18 receptions.

The Utah Utes ground game is averaging 221 yards per contest, and Wayshawn Parker leads the way with 644 yards and 8 touchdowns. Defensively, Utah is allowing 14.6 points and 312.4 yards per game. Trey Reynolds leads the Utah Utes with 44 tackles, Elijah Elliss has 2 sacks, and Jackson Bennee has 2 interceptions.

Cincinnati Bearcats Betting Preview

The Cincinnati Bearcats lost to West Virginia, beat Texas Tech, and they play Houston next. The Cincinnati Bearcats have won 5 of their last 7 games. JC French IV is completing 69.4 percent of his passes for 1,510 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. JV Gibson and Malachi Henry have combined for 656 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns, while Isaiah Johnson has 26 receptions.

The Cincinnati Bearcats’ ground game is averaging 234.6 yards per contest, and Cole Tabb leads the way with 621 yards and 9 touchdowns. Defensively, Cincinnati is allowing 26.4 points and 429.4 yards per game. Jonathan Thompson leads the Cincinnati Bearcats with 60 tackles, Patrick Bauer has 3.5 sacks, and MJ Cannon has 3 interceptions.

Why the Cincinnati Bearcats will win

• Cincinnati has won each of its last three October games as an underdog against AP-ranked teams.
• Utah has lost seven of its last eight games as a top-10 AP-ranked team.
• Utah has failed to cover the spread in each of its last seven October games as a road favorite.
• Cincinnati has covered the spread in each of its last five October games against AP-ranked teams.
• Cincinnati has won the first half in each of its last five home games in October.
• Cincinnati has won the first quarter in four of its last five home games in October.

Why the Utah Utes will win

• Utah has won each of its last 16 games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Cincinnati has lost eight of its last nine games as an underdog against AP-ranked teams.
• Utah has covered the spread in seven of its last eight games.
• Cincinnati has failed to cover the spread in seven of its last eight games as an underdog against AP-ranked teams.
• Utah has won the first half in each of its last eight games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Utah has won the first quarter in each of its last nine road games against non-AP-ranked teams.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Cincinnati’s last four games in Ohio have gone OVER the total points line.
• Four of Utah’s last five road games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Cincinnati Bearcats Player Prop Facts

• Heading into Week 9, Cole Tabb ranks 1st amongst qualified players for Yards Per Carry (9.6) this season.

Utah Utes Player Prop Facts

• Heading into Week 9, Devon Dampier is one of only three players in the league to record two or more passing touchdowns in six consecutive appearances this season.

Matchup/League Facts

• Cincinnati has overturned the largest 2nd-quarter deficit to win a game this season – 21 points vs. Miami OH.
• Cincinnati ranks 3rd among FBS teams for H2 points per game this season (21.1).
• Utah ranks 1st among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (0.4).
• Utah ranks 2nd among FBS teams for average point differential in first quarters this season (+10.3).

Randy Chambers's Pick: Utah -7