The betting board will tell the story before anyone in Salt Lake City does. Utah quarterback Devon Dampier is listed as questionable for Saturday night’s game against Colorado, but that tag might be generous. We certainly don’t need a doctor’s note to know something is up with Dampier’s right ankle.
This isn’t new territory for Utah, either. The Cam Rising era was a revolving door of “game-time decisions” and last-minute line swings and it feels like déjà vu for bettors who’ve seen this movie before. Sharp bettors have been nibbling at Colorado all week and oddsmakers are bracing for news that the Utes will be without QB1.
The smoke’s already in the air. Now we wait for confirmation.
🎙 Vegas Voices
“I don’t think he goes,” one source told me Thursday afternoon. “He was clearly hurt against BYU and they taped the foot to the nines, but that’s before all the swelling. They feel good about the backup and like their chances regardless.”
That said, the number has moved. Early apple bites came on Colorado at +14.5 and +14 and we’re starting to see +13 disappear. Professional bettors forecast a move down to around Utah -10 if freshman Byrd Ficklin makes his first career start.
“Oh great, more Utah QB drama,” South Point bookmaker Chris Andrews cracked.
Remember the former bookmaker who told us last week that Notre Dame was the third-best team in his power ratings? Well, after the Irish galloped for 300+ rushing yards against USC, he made another adjustment to his numbers.
“I’ve got the Irish at No. 2 now,” he said. “They’re getting into the [College Football Playoff] and their running game is going to be a problem for somebody.”
Anything else?
“Montana,” Wynn Resorts bookmaker Motoi Pearson said. “All numbers good.”
🎩 Chalky Commodores
The Vanderbilt Commodores have made you money this year. Quarterback Diego Pavia and Co. are 5-2 against the spread and now they’re small home favorites against Missouri. Is Vanderbilt — checks notes — too sexy?
"We took respected money at +3,” John Murray from the Westgate told me.
Wise guy Tommy Lorenzo likes Mizzou, too.
“Sportsbooks are being stubborn with this spread,” Lorenzo said. “Missouri’s defensive numbers are trending stronger while Vandy’s are actually regressing. The teams Vandy has defeated are a combined 17-26 and that includes 5-2 LSU.”
📊 Sharp Report
Colorado +14.5 —> +12.5
Kent State +8.5 —> +7
Virginia -9 —> -10.5
Wisconsin +34.5 —> +31.5
South Florida -3.5 —> -6
Stanford-Miami U48.5 —> 45.5
Eagles -6.5 —> -7.5
TEN-IND O44.5 —> 47.5
🥃 Fade the Bartender
The Bartender went 2-0 last Sunday and he’s feeling cocky. These are generally the best times to fade our guy. Find out who he’s got this Saturday on X.
🐔 Chicken Picks
Here are the plays for this weekend.
Toledo +1.5
South Carolina +11.5
LSU +2.5
NU-Nebraska U45
Missouri +2.5
Ravens -6.5
Commanders +12.5
L/W: 3-3-1, -0.3 units
YTD: 19-24-3, -7.2 units
Let’s eat.
Follow Sam!
Bet Sweats | Bear Bets
Chicken Dinner | FOX Sports
“Oh great, more Utah QB drama.” - South Point bookmaker Chris Andrews