UCLA vs. BYU Las Vegas Bowl Picks & Odds: December 22nd, 2007
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Quarterback Pat Cowan can’t catch a break this season. Well, actually, he can’t catch a lucky break. After a concussion, a collapsed lung and last week’s knee injury, the starter won’t be able to compete in the Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl. Can the Bruins overcome this loss and trounce BYU?
UCLA Offense vs. BYU Defense
Ben Olson will probably get the start this weekend, and that can not spell good things for the UCLA betting investors. Olson has only 822 yards, after completing 79-of-124 passes, with only five scores and five ugly picks. The corners for BYU are physically capable to hold the fort against the wide-receivers for the Bruins, and Olson will struggle with such a big game on tap.
The rushing attack for the Bruins leaves much to be desired as well, and that again is due to injuries. Kahlil Bell is out with a knee injury and Chris Markey will run in his place. The Cougars only give up 93.9 rushing yards per game, and Markey only averages 4.0 yards per carry.
The UCLA offense struggles to put up points and averages 22.9 points per game. BYU only surrenders 18.8 points on average and the defense should handle the dismantled Bruins easily.
BYU Offense vs. UCLA Defense
With the defense holding down a frustratingly injured Bruins team, it is up to the UCLA defense to step up to the task of slowing down a team that averages 31.2 points per game Sophomore Max Hall gets a lot of credit since the Cougars average 304.0 yards through the air. The Bruins secondary is strong, so Hall will have to be at his best to uphold the hype.
The real credit, however, belongs to Harvey Unga who is a workhorse back. The Bruins give up 3.1 yards per carry, and Unga has spearheaded a rushing offense that chugs along for a modest 156.1 yards on the ground. The Cougars will use Unga to control the clock, take pressure off of Hall and wear down UCLA on the defensive side.
NCAA Football Betting Trends
-UCLA is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 games
-UCLA is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
-BYU is 6-5 ATS this season
-BYU is 5-0 SU in it last 5 games
Final Verdict
With all the injuries that UCLA has suffered this year, it is difficult for the betting investor to get behind them. The Cougars are a well-coached and disciplined batch of players who will control the game outright by pounding Unga up the middle and allowing Hall to pick apart the secondary when the safeties creep up inside the box. Don’t be shy about BYU. Bet safely on them and enjoy the holidays.
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