The Utes were the pre-season favorite to win the Big 12 in their first year as a member, and now they have a chance to justify the hype. They fell behind 11 to in-state rival Utah State last week before rallying in what could have been a look-ahead spot. What's more, veteran QB Cam Rising makes his long-awaited return to the lineup to square off against fellow veteran Alan Bowman and powerful rusher Ollie Gordon. The Utes have a pretty favorable path to the conference title game with a win Saturday, and their physicality at the line of scrimmage should be the difference.

I realize that Utes quarterback Cam Rising is expected to start after missing last week with a hand injury. But this pick is based more on the Utes not looking like your vintage Kyle Whittingham-coached bunch through three games. Also, Boone Pickens Stadium is one of the toughest places to play in all of college football, and since the start of 2022 Utah is 1-5 against ranked teams on the road. I'll take Oklahoma State.

The utes may not be healthy at WB and OSU can’t run the ball as advertised. I see punts and teams that will make sure NOT to make mistakes

I thought the game vs Tulsa last weekend was the best of Oklahoma State. In a game that they normally would lose, they went out there and dominated from start to finish. These are two of the more experienced teams in CFB, especially at QB. I believe we'll see the full gambit offensively from OSU in this game, enough to outgun the Utes.

In his career as a starter, Cam Rising is only 5-4 on the road for the Utes (and yes, I have full confidence that he plays this week for Utah). Since 2023, the Cowboys are 12-0 when star RB Ollie Gordon rushes for a score. I believe he'll have 30+ carries on Saturday and guide his team to a minor home upset. Oklahoma State 31, Utah 27.