September 7, 2007
Vegas Line: YBU +6.5 ~ +7.5
Yep, we know YBU is misspelled above, it's just a little Friday humor. Vegas oddsmakers opened betting on UCLA BYU at UCLA -7 and the betting has gone in UCLA's favor since then. We think it will be a much more wide-open win for us at home. Our prediction, as we said yesterday, is for a UCLA 31-10 win. We don't get why people are underestimating the impact an away game at an historic site like the Rose Bowl against a talented, highly ranked, experienced team for a young and inexperienced offense. We don't see BYU getting anywhere offensively. In fact, we see their offense giving up points and turnovers. We think there will be as high as a +3 turnover margin potential for us. We just don't see this being close.
The Vegas over/under runs from 46 to 47, so a little more scoring that we anticipate. One thing that might be driving higher scoring bets is the new rules regarding timing that have made games way too long - 4 hours. There are 15-20 more plays per team than usual giving both teams more opportunity to score obviously. Normally, we agree with oddsmakers on UCLA football odds, but not for the YBU game. It cracks us up saying that, YBU. Go Bruins!!!
Other Notes
- The AP has decided to allow ranking of the formerly Div 1-AA classified division football programs in their top 25 rankings. This was in response to the epic upset of Appalachian St. over Michigan last week. After this weekend, you might see App St. hit the top 25 if they take care of business against powerhouse Lenoir-Rhyne.
- Sophomore CB Alterraun Verner will get the start at CB against BYU tomorrow even if Rodney Va's ankle feels better, according to Brian Dohn, Daily News.
- No word yet from the NCAA on Brian Price's eligibility. Remember, Frank Price was adamant that they would hear from the NCAA this week. It's Friday morning and nothing. That is one ticked off father.
