Utah State vs Nevada: Odds, Predictions & Key Insights | December 31, 2024

Utah State is riding high after a historic win over No. 20 San Diego State, their first AP Top 25 road victory since 1991. The Aggies have been impressive as underdogs, defeating both Saint Mary’s and San Diego State in back-to-back games. Now, they face a tough test in their third consecutive road game against a Nevada team looking to bounce back from two straight losses.

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Utah State vs Nevada Odds

Can Nevada end Utah State’s underdog win streak?

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Spread

Utah State: +3.5 (+100)

Nevada: -3.5 (-120)

Total

Over: 145 (-110)

Under: 145 (-110)

Moneyline

Utah State: +160

Nevada: -180

Utah State vs Nevada Predictions

Utah State is coming off one of the program’s biggest wins since your parents met at their local dive bar back in the ’90s. The Aggies took down No. 20 San Diego State, marking their first AP Top 25 road win since 1991. Utah State has been on a tear over their last two games, beating Saint Mary’s and San Diego State as outright underdogs. Today marks their third straight road game, as they take on a Nevada Wolf Pack team that has lost two straight. Both streaks come to an end tonight because the Aggies cannot keep this up.

Yeah, I can’t wait to take Nevada on Tuesday https://t.co/aW7INjdTk1

— Colby Marchio (@C_Marchio2) December 29, 2024

In four games this season against top 100 teams, the Wolf Pack has been extremely consistent and dominant on the defensive end. Ranking in the top 100 in almost every major statistical category, they have held their opponents under 70 points in three of those four matchups. Vanderbilt managed to score 73 points against them on November 21. Regardless, this is a defense that excels at controlling the boards and forcing turnovers. Their offense is equally strong, ranking 19th in effective field goal percentage (eFG%), 34th in three-point shooting, and 41st in two-point shooting. They are also in the top 50 nationally at getting to the free-throw line.

Utah State has gone back-to-back games beating top 50 schools, and their streak has to come to an end sooner rather than later. The Aggies are heavily reliant on three-point shooting, ranked 155th in three-point rate when playing away from home. However, they are not particularly efficient from beyond the arc, averaging under 30% from three. They also turn the ball over frequently and have their shots blocked at a high rate. Utah State does boast a strong defense, ranked in the top 50 in most major statistical categories.

Keys to Success

The Wolf Pack will aim to control the pace in this matchup, favoring a tempo that your grandparents could keep up with. Nevada is the fourth slowest team in the country, while Utah State ranks as the 65th fastest. If the Wolf Pack can disrupt the Aggies’ up-tempo style and force them to play at a slower pace, this should work in Nevada’s favor. Additionally, Nevada is third in the country in three-point shooting percentage and is not heavily reliant on three-point attempts, ranked 250th in three-point rate. Utah State allows the 56th most three-point attempts per game. If the Wolf Pack is hitting their threes, it will spell trouble for a Utah State team that struggles to consistently make theirs.

Give me the Wolf Pack to give the Aggies a reality check!