The set-up: I like the 11-2 Utes to lay the hammer down on the 7-5 Longhorns. Utah is out for redemption here as it fell 37-15 in the Pac 12 Championship Game to Oregon. Sam Ehlinger and Texas beat Texas Tech 49-24 in their finale. Overall the Longhorns average 35 PPG, while allowing 28.9. The Utes though are ranked sixth in the country on the defensive side of the ball, allowing only 13.2 PPG. Utah also possesses a strong offense, led by QB Tyler Huntley who has 2,966 passing yards and an 18:4 TD:INT.

The pick: Note that Utah is 4-1 ATS in its last five vs. teams with winning records, while Texas is only 1-5 ATS in its last six following an ATS victory. The Utes' elite defense will be able to center in on Ehlinger here and I believe that Texas will have a hard time keeping pace down the stretch. Lay the points.

8* play on Utah.