Larry Ness' Weekend Wipeout Winner-CFB (7-0 FB run since Thanksgiving!)
My Weekend Wipeout Winner is on BYU at 8:00 ET. BYU outplayed UCLA in the Rose Bowl back on 9/8 but lost 27-17, ending the Cougars' 11-game winning streak. BYU lost the following week at Tulsa (55-47) but then never lost again, winning its final nine games. UCLA took a 4-1 mark into October but lost seven turnovers and gained under 300 yards in an embarrassing 20-6 loss to Notre Dame. Key injuries to QBs Olson and Cowan plus the loss of RB Bell plagued the Bruins the rest of the season, as the team lost FIVE of its last seven games. Both Olson and Cowan are sidelined for this game, leaving the Bruins with former WR Rasshan to play QB. BYU's Max Hall averaged just over 300 YPG through the air TY with a 24-12 ratio, giving the Cougars a HUGE edge at QB. With Bell out for UCLA and FB Markey still being bothered by turf toe (had 1,107 YR last year but just 598 in '07), BYU also has an edge in the running game, as Unga became the first BYU freshman to gain 1,000 YR (1,211), topping 100 yards in SEVEN of his last 10 games. UCLA's defense didn't quite match LY's prowess, while BYU's D finished 10th in the nation allowing 307.2 YPG and T-13th in PPG (18.8). The rush D (92.1 YPG / 2.9 per) NEVER allowed a 100-yard runner, while the pass D will hardly be tested by Rasshan. Comparative scores are not always relevant but I'll point out that both teams played Arizona and Utah. BYU won both games, outgaining the two common opponents 816 to 499 yards, while holding the opposition to 17 points. UCLA lost both games, getting outgained 855 to 661 yards, while allowing 78 points!This is BYU's 3rd straight Las Vegas Bowl and its FIFTH game in the last three years in this stadium. LY in destroying Oregon (38-8), it seemed like a BYU home game. UCLA actually still had a chance at a Rose Bowl bid on Dec 1 but ends up in Las Vegas (with an interim HC as Dorrell was fired), playing a team with more talent and a revenge motive. Weekend Wipeout Winner on BYU.
Good Luck...Larry