The BYU Cougars unexpectedly needed to replace quarterback Jake Retzlaff, but it appears they have found their replacement in Bear Bachmeier, who accounted for five touchdowns in a season-opening win against Portland State.
Unfortunately, the future may not be as bright for the Stanford Cardinal. The program is in a tough spot with an interim staff and is coming off an ugly loss to Hawaii.
My early Stanford vs. BYU predictions and college football picks explain why it could be another long night for the Cardinal on Saturday, September 6.
Stanford vs BYU predictions
Here are our early thoughts on the spread and total for this week’s game. We will have a full game preview (with a best bet and SGP) later in the week.
Early Stanford vs BYU spread pick: BYU -18.5
Kelani Sitake had the BYU Cougars running like a well-oiled machine last season, leading to an 11-2 record, including a win over Colorado in the Alamo Bowl.
QB Jake Retzlaff was a huge part of that success, but off-field issues resulted in a seven-game code of conduct suspension being handed down. But instead of serving it, Retzlaff transferred to Tulane.
That thrust freshman Bear Bachmeier into the starting job, and he did not disappoint. Even though it was against an FCS school, it was impressive to see him throw three touchdown passes on just 11 attempts while adding two more on the ground.
While this Cougars team only returns nine starters, coach Sitake has built a strong program ahead of his 10th season at the helm. That continuity will play well against the Stanford Cardinal.
The Cardinal are basically the opposite of Sitake and BYU. They are in limbo. They fired head coach Troy Taylor in March and brought in former Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich on an interim basis.
That’s just not enough time to implement a system, and you saw that in the 23-20 loss to Hawaii last week.
QB Ben Gulbranson completed just 50% of his passes and threw a pick, and now must deal with a much better BYU defense
Early Stanford vs BYU total pick: Under 46.5
If this game goes Over the total, it’s because BYU lit up the scoreboard like a Christmas tree. I just don’t see how Stanford improves on last week’s performance against a much better Cougars defense to send this one Over the number.
Stanford scored just 20 points and averaged an awful 3.9 yards per play. The Cardinal’s one bright spot was running back Micah Ford, who went for 113 yards. So, running the ball and moving the clock.
On the other side, Bachmeier and the Cougars looked impressive in their 69-0 win over FCS Portland State, but this will also be Bachmeier’s first game against FBS competition. There could be a little adjustment period in this game.
Stanford vs BYU odds
- Stanford vs. BYU spread: BYU -18.5
- Stanford vs. BYU moneyline: Stanford +720, BYU -1200
- Stanford vs. BYU Over/Under: 46.5
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
