UCLA is fresh off a 47?40 win over California in easily the biggest win of the Karl Dorrell era, while Washington State is reeling after a home loss to Stanford in what has to be considered the low point of Bill Doba?s two-plus years in Pullman.
But before you chalk up a sure W for the visiting Bruins, keep in mind that Washington State boasts some outstanding offensive talent that is quite capable of putting points on the board. Despite their 0?2 record in Pac-10 play, the Cougars rank eighth in the country in total offense with over 500 yards per game. In a loss to Oregon State two weeks ago, Wazzu rolled up 638 yards, including 531 passing yards on 31 Alex Brink completions. The Cougs? problem has been protecting the ball; they rank 109th in the country (and last in the league) in turnover margin with seven takeaways and 13 giveaways.
While Wazzu is learning how to deal with disappointment, UCLA must show it can handle prosperity. The Bruins are feeling good about themselves after their big win over Cal, but this is not a team without issues. Stopping the run has been a concern all season, and there is no indication that the problem has been solved.
Cal rushed for 330 yards on an 8.0 average and two backs ? Justin Forcett and Marshawn Lynch ? rushed for more than 130 yards. Now the UCLA run defense meets the Pac-10?s leading rusher, Jerome Harrison, who is averaging 148.2 yards per game after a 29-carry, 218-yard effort against Stanford.
UCLA can likely afford to let Harrison get his yards, but the Bruins cannot allow the Cougars? passing attack to move the ball as well. Washington State was without standout receiver Jason Hill and he remains questionable for the game.But if he can`t go,Bumpus,Bienermann and Harvey can pick up the slack.
Been loving this game all week,the Bruins coming off a tough grind out win over Cal will have to step it up again and work hard.I won`t bet the Cougs on the money line but it would not surprise me if they win SU.I don`t know what the Pac 10 record is for rushing yards in a game but Harrison has a shot against this swiss cheese Bruins rush defense.
The Bruins have given up 240 yards a game on the ground last 3.
The Cougs and 5 are a gift.
BET ID=126474811
Straight Wager 10/15/05 00:17 ET
1650.00/1500.00 Result: Pending
UCLA
WashingtonSt 10/15/05 (18:35 ET)
WashingtonSt +5
But before you chalk up a sure W for the visiting Bruins, keep in mind that Washington State boasts some outstanding offensive talent that is quite capable of putting points on the board. Despite their 0?2 record in Pac-10 play, the Cougars rank eighth in the country in total offense with over 500 yards per game. In a loss to Oregon State two weeks ago, Wazzu rolled up 638 yards, including 531 passing yards on 31 Alex Brink completions. The Cougs? problem has been protecting the ball; they rank 109th in the country (and last in the league) in turnover margin with seven takeaways and 13 giveaways.
While Wazzu is learning how to deal with disappointment, UCLA must show it can handle prosperity. The Bruins are feeling good about themselves after their big win over Cal, but this is not a team without issues. Stopping the run has been a concern all season, and there is no indication that the problem has been solved.
Cal rushed for 330 yards on an 8.0 average and two backs ? Justin Forcett and Marshawn Lynch ? rushed for more than 130 yards. Now the UCLA run defense meets the Pac-10?s leading rusher, Jerome Harrison, who is averaging 148.2 yards per game after a 29-carry, 218-yard effort against Stanford.
UCLA can likely afford to let Harrison get his yards, but the Bruins cannot allow the Cougars? passing attack to move the ball as well. Washington State was without standout receiver Jason Hill and he remains questionable for the game.But if he can`t go,Bumpus,Bienermann and Harvey can pick up the slack.
Been loving this game all week,the Bruins coming off a tough grind out win over Cal will have to step it up again and work hard.I won`t bet the Cougs on the money line but it would not surprise me if they win SU.I don`t know what the Pac 10 record is for rushing yards in a game but Harrison has a shot against this swiss cheese Bruins rush defense.
The Bruins have given up 240 yards a game on the ground last 3.
The Cougs and 5 are a gift.
BET ID=126474811
Straight Wager 10/15/05 00:17 ET
1650.00/1500.00 Result: Pending
UCLA
WashingtonSt 10/15/05 (18:35 ET)
WashingtonSt +5
