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(All odds via PointsBet Sportsbook)
As part of the opening weekend of bowl season, the LA Bowl features Utah State, who went from the bottom of the Mountain West in 2020 to conference champions this season.
They take on an Oregon State team that also went through a revival this season, as they finished with their first winning record since 2013.
Here’s a look at which parts of the matchup to watch, along with the best bet if you’re looking to win some money to buy those last-minute holiday gifts.
What: LA Bowl
Who: Utah State (10-3, 6-2 Mountain West) vs. Oregon State (7-5, 5-4 in PAC-12)
Where: SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA
When: Saturday, December 18 at 7:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
Opening line: Oregon State -7.5 (O/U 64.5)
Current line: Oregon State -7.5 (O/U 67)
Most recent bowl result: Oregon State beat Boise State 38-23 in the 2013 Hawaii Bowl. Utah State lost to Kent State 51-41 in the 2019 Frisco Bowl.
Oregon State at a glance: It’s been a long time since the Beavers have played beyond the regular season, and a big reason why they’re in this spot is running back B.J. Baylor. The PAC-12 leading rusher was terrific to watch as he carried this team to a win against PAC-12 champion Utah and their first bowl appearance in eight years.
Utah State at a glance: How Oregon State dominated in the ground game this year, that’s how Utah State was with the air attack thanks to quarterback Logan Bonner. The Arkansas State transfer was a force, as his 36 touchdowns were sixth in the nation and his 3,560 passing yards were 12th. He capped off the Aggies’ Cinderella regular season with 318 passing yards and four touchdowns against San Diego State in the conference title game to win the program’s first Mountain West championship.
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Key to the matchup: Can B.J. Baylor continue his dominance, or will Logan Bonner lead the Aggies to another upset win? Baylor gets a great matchup against the 85th-ranked rushing defense (162.6 YPG), and he has the opportunity for a big game. Bonner is in a great position himself against the Beavers’ 87th-ranked pass defense (241.1 YPG), but the secondary has been good at forcing turnovers. Oregon State has 13 interceptions this season, and there will be a good matchup to watch with Utah State’s leading wide receiver Deven Thompkins and Oregon State’s top defensive back Jaydon Grant. The winner of that battle could play a factor in the overall outcome.
Best Bet: Oregon State -7.5: You have to favor Baylor moving the ball on the ground, which could help them open up the passing game. Oregon State quarterback Chance Nolan has played well recently, throwing a passing touchdown in six straight games along with over 250 passing yards in three of four. The Beavers have shown a balanced offense as of late, and that’s what will push them over the top.
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