It looks like the Big 12 is headed for another chaotic finish in 2025, which is what we live for.
Case in point, the two remaining undefeated teams in conference play are the BYU Cougars and the Cincinnati Bearcats, just like everyone predicted.
Tonight, the Bearcats play a massive game as they head to Rice-Eccles Stadium to take on the Utah Utes. Despite sitting atop the Big 12, the Bearcats are double-digit underdogs.
My Cincinnati vs. Utah predictions explain why and bring you our best college football picks for this pivotal matchup.
Kickoff is set for 10:15 p.m. ET, with the game airing on ESPN.
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Cincinnati vs Utah prediction
Cincinnati vs Utah best bet: Devon Dampier Over 183.5 passing yards (-114)
One of the reasons the Cincinnati Bearcats are such a big underdog in this matchup is that Devon Dampier will be back under center.
The Utah Utes QB missed last week’s game against Colorado, and despite cruising to a win over the Buffs, the Utes will be pleased to have Dampier back.
The junior quarterback has thrown for 1,375 yards with 13 touchdowns and four interceptions, while rushing for another 442 yards and five scores. In this matchup against Cincinnati, I want to focus on his arm.
The Bearcats have won seven games in a row following a season-opening three-point loss to Nebraska. Cincinnati’s offense, led by QB Brendan Sorsby, has been what has powered this team, but its pass defense has definitely been a little suspect.
Cincinnati enters this game ranked 99th in the country in defensive success rate on dropbacks and 66th in EPA per dropback this season.
Dampier is also coming off an ankle injury, and I could see Utah operating with him more from the pocket this week, particularly considering how Cincinnati has struggled against the pass.
That makes Dampier’s passing prop of 183.5 look rather low. That’s a number he’s gone Over in five of his seven starts this season.
Cincinnati is a tough team with a good quarterback, so I’m not sure if Utah covers this spread, but Dampier shouldn’t have a problem going over this number tonight in front of a raucous crowd under the lights at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Cincinnati vs Utah same-game parlay
Ryan Davis has been Dampier's favorite target this season. Davis has hauled in 48 catches for 518 yards and three touchdowns. If Utah commits to the passing attack in this one, as I expect them to, Davis should see a lot of targets and is a great candidate to find the end zone.
Meanwhile, Utah has struggled with opposing backs in its two losses this season. BYU rushed for 202 yards while Texas Tech went for 176. That should mean a nice night for Bearcats RB Tawee Walker. Walker has picked up steam of late, going for 73-plus yards in three of his last five games. Round this SGP out with Walker to go Over 70.5 rushing yards.
Cincinnati vs Utah SGP (+440)
- Devon Dampier Over 183.5 passing yards (-114)
- Ryan Davis anytime touchdown (-115)
- Tawee Walker Over 70.5 rushing yards (-114)
Cincinnati vs Utah game predictions
Cincinnati vs Utah moneyline prediction
I like Utah to win this home. Rice-Eccles Stadium is one of the most challenging environments in college football to play in, particularly at night.
Devon Dampier is healthy, and the Utes still have one of the best defenses in the Big 12.
Cincinnati vs Utah spread prediction
While I like Utah to win, this spread has ballooned too much. Cincinnati is a good team, especially in the trenches, and has a very good dual-threat QB in Brendan Sorsby.
Utah wins, but Cincy keeps it around a TD.
Cincinnati vs Utah Over/Under prediction
I would lean Under in this Big 12 matchup.
Cincinnati will need to run the ball effectively to be successful in this game, as Utah's defense remains top-notch.
Our deep-ball SGP: Sorsby to the House!
Utah allowed BYU QB Bear Bachmeier to run for 64 yards and a score. Sorby has scored seven rushing touchdowns this season.
Cincinnati vs Utah SGP
- Devon Dampier Over 183.5 Passing Yards
- Ryan Davis anytime touchdown
- Tawee Walker Over 70.5 Rushing Yards (+440)
- Brendan Sorsby anytime touchdown
Cincinnati vs Utah odds
- Spread: Cincinnati +10.5 (-110) | Utah -10.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Cincinnati +295 | Utah -370
- Over/Under: Over 57.5 (-110) | Under 57.5 (-110)
Cincinnati vs Utah trend to know
Cincinnati is 6-2 ATS so far this season. Find more college football betting trends for Cincinnati vs Utah.
How to watch Cincinnati vs Utah
| Location | Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT |
| Date | Saturday, November 1, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 10:15 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Cincinnati vs Utah latest injuries
Cincinnati vs Utah weather
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Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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