The 2021 college football bowl season goes on Saturday, December 18, with the Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, so we have prepared the best Utah State vs. Oregon State betting pick and odds. 

The Aggies and Beavers lock horns for the first time since 1998, and Oregon State is 2-0 SU and ATS in its previous two meetings with Utah State. According to BetOnline Sportsbook, the Beavers are 7.5-point favorites for this one, while the Aggies are listed as +230 moneyline dogs with a total of 67.0 points.

Utah State leans on its prolific passing offense 

The Utah State Aggies (10-3; 9-4 ATS) are coming off an impressive 46-13 road victory over San Diego State in the Mountain West Conference Championship Game on December 4. They completely outplayed the Aztecs and upset the odds as 6.5-point road underdogs.

The Aggies ran 28 times for just 65 yards, but their passing offense destroyed the Aztecs. Logan Bonner went 29-of-42 for 318 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception, while Brandon Bowling had eight receptions for 154 yards and a couple of scores.

Over his last five games, Bonner has thrown for a whopping 19 touchdowns and just three interceptions. During that span, Bowling and Deven Thompkins have combined for eight touchdowns. The Aggies score 33.2 points per contest (31st in the country) and surrender 25.3 in a return (tied-56th). They are 7-1 SU and 6-2 ATS in the last eight games overall.

Oregon State relies on its ground game 

The Oregon State Beavers (7-5; 7-5 ATS) finished the regular season with a tough 38-29 defeat at the Oregon Ducks on November 27. They failed to cover a 7.5-point spread, as Oregon State’s defense couldn’t cope with Oregon’s balanced attack.

The Beavers allowed 506 all-purpose yards to the Ducks, while Oregon’s signal-caller Anthony Brown completed 23 of his 28 pass attempts for 275 yards and a couple of scores. Junior RB B.J. Taylor led the way for the Beavers with 13 carries for 59 yards and a TD; Chance Nolan went 25-of-39 for 308 yards, a pair of touchdowns, and an interception, while Luke Musgrave had seven catches for 85 yards and a TD.

Oregon State tallies 32.8 points per game (tied-34th in the country) on 219.5 rushing yards (13th) and 213.1 passing yards (86th). Interestingly, the Beavers are 0-4 straight up when rushing for less than 200 yards, so keep your eyes on B.J. Taylor, who’s accounted for 1,259 yards and 13 touchdowns on 209 carries in 2021.

Trends:

Utah State:

  • 6-1 ATS in the last seven games overall
  • 5-2 ATS in the last seven outings as underdogs 

Oregon State:

  • 1-4 ATS in the last seven outings as favorites of 7.5 or fewer points

Utah State vs. Oregon State Pick

Even if the Beavers win this clash, I don’t think they’ll do it by a comfortable margin. Their defense hasn’t impressed, as Oregon State yields 25.9 points per game (64th in the country) on 146.9 rushing yards (55th) and 241.1 passing yards (87th).

The Beavers could easily struggle to cope with Utah State’s passing offense. They will run the ball efficiently and control the clock, but slowing down Logan Bonner and the Aggies’ receiving corps will be a tall order. With a touchdown on the table, give me the underdogs. Utah State has gone 7-0 SU and 6-1 ATS in its seven games away from home in 2021.

Pick: Take Utah State +7.5 at -110              

The Total:

Four of Utah State’s and Oregon State’s last six games have gone over the total. I would ride the betting trends, though the line has been set pretty high in this one.

None of the Aggies’ last five games have produced more than 65 points in total. Utah State has allowed 17 or fewer points four times in that stretch. On the other side, three of Oregon State’s previous six tilts have produced 67 or more points in total. I would stick with the Aggies to cover.

Pick: Go over 67.0 points at -110