Cougars vs Bruins NCAA Football Spread/Handicapping
Its a new era in Houston. No more Case Keenum and no more Kevin Sumlin. Hopefully not no more victories. They are off to an 0-2 start including a bad opening game against Texas State in which the Cougars scored just 13 points.
Houston Cougars (0-2) vs UCLA Bruins (2-0)
Saturday September 15
Rose Bowl
10:30PM
Moneyline: UCLA -1000, Houston +700 from GTBets.eu
Spread: UCLA -17
O/U: 74.5
Houston
Things looked better in a wild loss to Louisiana Tech – a game with 105 total points. These two teams have faced off the last couple of years with the home team winning both times. Houston will look to end that run.
QB Dave Piland is just a sophomore but he gained a lot of experience subbing for Keenum two years ago. He was dreadful against Texas State as the team converted just 1 third down all game but rebounded against La Tech with 580 yards passing and 4TDs – maybe the most prolific performance we will see from a QB all season. Some of the faces may have changed but the Cougars are still looking to run you out of the building.
Houston won last year in a close game as part of a magical season that flirted with the BCS. The Cougars are thought to be a contender in Conference USA and a win would definitely certify that thought. This line seems a little big to me. UCLA might be getting a little too much respect after beating Nebraska. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
UCLA
With their new coach, new quarterback and surprising win over Nebraska the UCLA Bruins have leaped into the top 25 this week. Now they get a chance to build their resume against a Houston team some remember as the potential BCS darling of the last couple of seasons. The key is to not avoid a letdown and not look ahead to Oregon State who also surprised last week. The PAC 12 looks very good right now.
The Bruins certainly seem like a new team but the heart of it is senior running back Jonathan Franklin. He has had back to back game of 200+ yards but more impressively is averaging 10 yards per carry after ripping off some huge runs. Right now the Bruins are 3rd in the nation in total offense. Nobody could have seen that kind of production coming and with Houston visiting it is unlikely to stop this week.
UCLA is likely better this season but right now they are getting their own pub plus some extra run because Houston has been so bad. I am not sure the Bruins defense is good enough for them to cover this number and you know Houston has the offense to come back quickly and will take some chances. UCLA should win but there is better value elsewhere. This one will be closer than expected.
Spread Pick: Houstoun +17
O/U Pick: Over
Score Prediction: UCLA 45 – Houston 36
