As we dive into Week 4 of the college football season, the Utah State Aggies take on the Temple Owls in a clash where both teams hope to find some footing in their early season struggles. Utah State enters the game with a 1-2 record, looking to rebound from recent hurdles, while Temple, still chasing its first win at 0-3, aims to turn the tide at home. Taking place at the iconic Lincoln Financial Field, fans can tune into ESPN+ for full coverage of the matchup. With much at stake, we’ll delve into the best NCAAF picks and tips to help navigate this intriguing contest.
| Utah State Aggies vs. Temple Owls 9/21/24 Game Info | |
| When: | Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 12:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Lincoln Financial Field |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Utah State Aggies (1-2) vs. Temple Owls (0-3)
The Utah State Aggies, in general, have what is promising in both the rushing and receiving aspects but also present some headaches. In the backfield, Rahsul Faison collected 247 yards on the ground with 40 attempts, good enough for an average of 6.2 yards a carry. Although Faison has not scored any touchdowns so far, he has been clearing out yards, meaning that Utah State’s offense is never at a stall. Providing quarterback Bryson Barnes with a target through the air is Jalen Royals, who has recorded 15 receptions for 168 yards as a wide receiver. Royals have a return average of 11.2 receiving yards per every reception, which also increases the potency of Utah State’s aerial attack and, of course, the expected basketball style encountered in the Buffalo vs Northern Illinois game today, where every inch of ground and air is important.
For Temple Owls, running back Antwain Littleton, even if unhelped by meek production, is the person for whom these 2 positions must be developed and for who these ground attacks must be developed. Littleton has pried 104 rushing yards with 29 attempts, Which shows that he is the man for the job even for that average running effort of 3.6 yards – which should only improve if the line does. At the receiving end, Wright does well with the ball, grabbing 10.3 yards for every reception, allowing him to finish with 236 yards on 23 catches. His performance highlighted two touchdowns, or simply the offensive aspects that are there though quite low, with the hopes of the best-performing players in the game between Georgia Tech vs Louisville today, where players are expected to make plays that can change the game’s outlook.
Bryson Barnes QB vs. Forrest Brock QB
Bryson Barnes balances the Utah State offense with precision throwing and mid-range throws. In 69 attempts, he threw for 524 yards on 45 completions and 79 attempts, yielding a completion rate of 57%, which shows evidence of executing medium-depth passing plays. Passing 119.3 is attributed to four touchdown passes and four interceptions that affect how the Aggies attack the oncoming offense. This will be important to Barnes, as utilizing the defensive weaknesses offered by cuts in Temple’s coverage could decisively turn the course of the game toward Utah State.
Similarly, quarterback Forrest Brock is under pressure from the Temple Owls’ offense in a complex situation. Brock has a completion percentage of 59.2 percent; he attempted 71 passes and completed 42 to yield 405 yards. There is efficiency but room for more improvement, which is well illustrated in this case by the low 5.7 yards per attempt. His touchdown-to-interception ratio remains a cause for concern, with one touchdown and four interceptions, and that is a target area as part of the strategy to help in the flow of the Temple offense. Changing and refining pass patterns and practical shooting under pressure will determine Temple’s offensive strategy in this game.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Utah State Aggies Spread -6, Total Odds: 54
The odds currently favor Utah State with a -6 spread, reflecting a moderate liking towards their capacity to exploit Temple’s ongoing vulnerabilities offensively and defensively. The total is set at 54, signaling expectations of a game weighted with points but not excessively high-scoring. Bettors should evaluate Utah State’s winning potential based on their ability to establish early momentum and maintain aggressive play strategies to manage covering the spread effectively.
Utah State Aggies Betting Trends
Utah State has struggled against the spread recently, evidenced by their 1-5 ATS record over their last six games. That said, their games frequently go over the total, as evidenced by their hitting the over in 10 of their last 15 matchups, which is indicative of defensive lapses but solid offensive execution. Nevertheless, the Aggies’ success on the road remains wanting, with a 2-9 ATS record in recent travels.
Temple Owls Betting Trends
Temple’s difficulties are apparent, revealed by a continuous search for victories, as they hold a 0-6 SU in their recent games. The total has gone under in four of Temple’s last six outings, indicating defensive contests with less offensive domination. However, their current sides of play prefer multiple under plays, with five of their last six home games going over the total, highlighting defensive inconsistencies at home.
Utah State Aggies vs. Temple Owls 9/21/24 Betting Picks
This contest offers an opportunity for Utah State to utilize Temple’s inconsistencies and defensive leaks to secure a crucial win. While Temple aims to redirect their efforts for a foundational win to build upon, considering fairly efficient balance attempts against their more consistent opposition dictates inspection. Betting strategies might favor Utah State covering, contingent on sustaining pressure and capitalizing on offensive triggers available against Temple’s defense.
For those employing premium matchup tips, exploring team-oriented props concerning passing yardage, rushing totals, or turnover counts could yield potential high-value wagering opportunities. Balancing strategic play execution will form the resulting pendulum reflecting the anticipated broader scenarios.