Kansas State Wildcats (1-1) 0-0 ATS, 0-0 O/U at UCLA Bruins (2-0) 2-0 ATS, 0-1 O/U Saturday September 19, 2009 Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California 10:15 p.m. EST
By Wilson of Predictem.com
Point Spread: Kansas State +12/UCLA -12
Over/Under: 43.5
UCLA is apparently back on track for now as they beat Tennessee for the second consecutive year in another close game. Tennessee is not the power house they were in the past as they are young and still maturing. The Bruins needed all the help they could get especially from the leg of place kicker, Kai Forbath. Forbath had all of UCLAs points outside of a Chan Moline 12-yard touchdown catch from Bruins QB Kevin Prince. Forbath nailed down four field goals, the first FG in the opening quarter then he hit three all in the third quarter.
The Bruins definitely srtuggled offensively as they only managed to gain 101 yards through the air and just85 on the ground. QB Kevin Prince was 11 of 23 for 101 yards and 1 TD. Running back, Jonathan Franklin, carried the ball 17 times for 80 yards to lead the Bruins.
If the Bruins are truly looking to improve after last seasons 4-8 effort they must learn how to take care of the pigskin. UCLA fumbled the ball five times albeit they only turned it over once. Also, this team has got to trim the fat when it comes to penalties as they were flagged 9 times for 70 yards. The bettors out there have to consider those stats before heading to the window.
Coach Neuheisel of the Bruins said that they will be a better offensive team but he felt his defense was better off when the game was on the line. The Bruins D stopped a last stitch effort by the Vols to secure the road win. Will UCLA be better by this weekend?
Kansas State will travel to the City of Angels looking to redeem themselves after a last minute loss to Louiana-Lafayette 17-15 last week. The Wildcats will have a tall order but they should be able to play with the Bruins especially if the Bruins show a similar effort as they did against Tennessee.
However, Kansas State is only averaging 18 points per game and allowing 17 to their opponents which isnt exactly the kind of numbers coaches like to see.
Kansas States QB Carson Coffman was 13 of 25 for 178 yards and zero touchdowns with 1 interception. Running back Daniel Thomas might the guy to key on if youre the Bruins scout team as he had 136 yards rushing on 27 touches with a touchdown. Coffmans longest run was 22 yards but he averaged 5 yards per carry- I think thats a first down every two carries? Ok, maybe we give the Bruins more respect than the Ragin Cajuns.
UCLA will clean up their issues this week and be ready to host a win in the Rose Bowl. Neuheisel is both patient and particular when it comes to fixing his offenses. He has that QB mentality and as a former Bruins QB he will make it a point to get his offense on track.
The Bruins are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games after scoring less than 20 points in their prevoius contest. UCLA is also 5-1 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games. In addition, the Bruins are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 home games. The Wildcats are 5-1 ATS as a dog on the road in their last 6 games. Kansas State is also 1-5 ATS in the last 6 games overall.
The Bruins cant afford to look past any team, and Kansas State will love playing in the Rose Bowl for chance to build the recruiting tape by making a game of it.
Wilsons Pick: UCLA 17, Kansas State 20! Ouch Bruins fans but with Prince out with the broken jaw it will hurt the offensive output. Luck to ya.
