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BYU vs. UCLA preview, predictions, betting odds, live stream info

By Nathaniel Reeves

Sep 12, 2015; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Tanner Mangum (12) scrambles out of the pocket and throws for a touchdown against the Boise State Broncos during the first quarter at Lavell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2015; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Tanner Mangum (12) scrambles out of the pocket and throws for a touchdown against the Boise State Broncos during the first quarter at Lavell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /
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BYU vs. UCLA

Backup quarterback Tanner Mangum and the No. 19 BYU Cougars will look to keep the magic going win they face the No. 10 UCLA Bruins on Saturday night at the Rose Bowl. Quarterback Josh Rosen and a strong defense, including star linebacker Myles Jack, will look to lead the Bruins further up the rankings.

Details for Sunday’s game are below:

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2015
Start Time: 10:30 PM EST
Location: Pasadena, CA
Stadium: Rose Bowl
TV Info: Fox Sports 1
Live Stream: Fox Sports Go
Radio: Sirius XM Channel 81, Bruin IMG Radio Network, Cougars IMG Sports Network
Ticket Information: For BYU Ticket information click here, for UCLA ticket information click here.

Keys to Victory

This contest features a battle of hyped freshman quarterbacks playing in the biggest game of their careers, so anything can happen. The key for both will be limiting mistakes and the support around them.

On paper, UCLA certainly looks like the more complete team. Rosen has played well so far, but its complemented nicely be running back Paul Perkins, who is fresh off a 1,500 yard has carried the ball 32 times for 210 yards in UCLA’s two easy victories to begin the year.

BYU doesn’t appear to have that luxury yet. The Cougars have yet to have a rusher crack the 100-yard mark this season, although they have faced arguably the most difficult schedule in the country through two weeks with Nebraska and Boise State.

Mangum has received national attention for tossing two game-winning Hail Mary’s with starter Taysom Hill out for the season, and has played well overall beyond that. Helping matters is wide receiver Mitchell Juergens, who caught for passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns against Boise State.

Juergens and some other weapons in the passing game figure to cause problems, even for a talented UCLA secondary. However, BYU can not win this game if it is one-dimensional.

The Cougars’ chance at a third consecutive upset bid will be highly dependent on their offensive line. BYU has allowed 18 tackles for loss so far, including seven sacks, and has been unable to open any running lanes.

However, that isn’t a weakness that UCLA has proven it can exploit yet. With defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes out for the season, the Bruins are still searching for some pass rushing production.

The Bruins’ offense cruised in wins over Virginia and UNLV to begin the year. While the Virginia win looks a little better after the Cavaliers nearly upset Notre Dame last weekend, the BYU offense will be a definite step up in competition.

Unlike UCLA’s first two opponents, the Cougars have the ability to harass Rosen and cause some mistakes. Safety Kai Nacua will lead the charge after recording three interceptions against Boise State.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: UCLA-17
Moneyline: UCLA – 700
O/U: 60

As talented as Jim Mora’s squad is, that point spread jumps out as being a bit excessive. BYU is consistently a tough, physical team that always plays a loaded schedule, and isn’t exactly headed to the most intimidating home field in the nation.

UCLA narrowly missed covering a 19.5 point spread against Virginia before beating a 28 point spread against UNLV. BYU was an underdog in its first two games and one both straight up.

Prediction

This figures to be a hard-fought, physical game between two motivated and talented teams. Whoever wins will rise up the rankings while keeping their status as an early-season playoff contender.

While both freshman quarterbacks have looked like phenoms so far, this will be a step up in competition. Both defenses should be able to force some mistakes, which could make this a slugfest throughout.

That isn’t to say there won’t be some points. UCLA couldn’t get backfield penetration against lesser competition, which will give Mangum an opportunity to work with his weapons in the passing game.

The difference will be UCLA’s balance. While Perkins doesn’t get many of the Bruins’ headlines, he’s been very productive over the past two years, and is poised for another big game.

The Cougars will keep it close for the duration, but UCLA has just a little too much.

Final Score: UCLA 37, BYU 31

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