Early action favors Cougars -24 against Aggies

The Utah State Aggies will defend their home turf against the BYU Cougars this Thursday.

Online sportsbook BetUS opened betting on the game earlier in the week with BYU a -24½  point favorite, according to Barry Barger, a senior betting analyst with BetUS. The line has since come down ½ a point to 24.

Based on a report released by BetUS on Tuesday, 84.38% of the wagers placed and 83.07% of the dollar volume on the point spread has been bet on the Cougars so far.

“This is of course, early action, which tends to be dominated by more experienced and professional bettors, or ‘sharps’ as they are known in the industry,” says Barry Barger, senior betting analyst for BetUS.  “Most of the public hasn’t bet yet, so we could see further line movements.  Sharps like to bet early before the line has been hammered into shape.”

The ‘sharps’ are also expecting a low scoring game, with well over 77% picking the ‘under’ for the total, which currently sits at 60 ½ points after having dropped a point from 61 ½. 

In Week 4, the Cougars took care of business (38-24) against Wyoming. The Aggies were demolished (24-34) by UNLV. 

“BYU has been excellent at times, it’s only blemish coming against Oregon, and bettors are prepared to forgive that effort,” Barger says. “It isn’t easy covering a big number against a conference rival, but the Cougars are a nationally-ranked team and they should easily overpower the Aggies,” Barger concludes.

Above: Screenshot as of press time. Odds are subject to change.