#4 Posted: 10/3/2011 11:44:44 PM I like WSU in this game. They have owned this series over the past 10 years or so (8-2 ATS), and they have a much better team than they have had in the recent past. They have somehow managed to get themselves into the top 10 nationally in pass offense, scoring offense and total offense, and they're playing a UCLA team that is ranked 98th in total defense and 105th vs. the pass nationally.
UCLA runs the ball well, but the Cougars are giving up an average of 127 yards a game. UCLA will get more than that, but it won't be enough.
As for intangibles, UCLA is in a serious tailspin, taking away any chances they had to hang with Stanford last week with turnovers, and the fans have noticed. The Rose Bowl has been less than half full for home games with the exception of Texas, and I don't think Washington State will be a draw.
WSU is heading in the opposite direction, though not as dramatically. While the competition hasn't been much (UCLA won't be either), they have won three of four, are 3-1 ATS, and are coming off an emotional come from behind win at Colorado. For the first time in awhile, I'm guessing, they actually believe in themselves in Pullman.
Cougars +4..but I like their chances to win outright. |