Bryan Leonard

THE PLAY: BYU +4.0 (-110)

253 BYU & Colorado in San Antonio

Late in the regular season the Cougars had much higher hopes than this December 28th bowl game. They had run off nine straight victories to open the season, and had Kansas, Arizona State and Houston remaining. They lost back to back 4 and 5 point decisions to the Jayhawks and Sun Devils, before a 12 point victory over a disappointing Cougars squad. 

Despite playing only two ranked opponents on the season, BYU has put up some impressive numbers. The passing game has really been a standout group on both sides of the ball. A 21-11 TD to INT ratio offensive is solid, but an outstanding 11 to 20 TD to INT ratio defensively is the reason for this team’s success. BYU has out gained the opposition 6.19 to 4.90 ypp. They will need that excellent pass defense to keep up with the Buffaloes here. 

The Buffaloes went 4-2 on the road this season. But despite playing in a power conference, this will be the first time all season Colorado has faced a ranked team, as BYU enters play 17th in the country. Looking over the nine opponents Colorado has defeated, it’s hard to find an impressive victory against a good football team. 

Colorado has no running game to speak of, averaging just 2.62 ypc. It’s the passing game which has been very impressive. A 166.94 QB rating along with a 35 to 8 TD to INT ratio. They have a +11 turnover margin on the season, which is a major factor in their success. 

So it’s a strength vs strength matchup between the Buffaloes air attack, and the Cougars pass defense. 

While BYU has to be a bit disappointed with how the season has unfolded, a win here over a very public Colorado team could cap a very good season. With the Buffalo’s best players heading to the NFL, you can see them not having full focus in this one. 

PLAY BYU 

THE PLAY: Total Under 45.5 (-110)

244 Boston College & Nebraska at Yankee Stadium

The Eagles came out of the gate on fire winning 4 of 5, with the only loss coming at #23 Missouri. But since that time BC has a losing record. They did finish the season well with wins over North Carolina and Pitt by double digit margins. But most of the Eagles damage this year came at home with a 6-1 record. The lone victory away from home was a season opening win at Florida State, which doesn’t look nearly as impressive now as it did at that time. 

The strength of this team in is the air. Offensively they have a 151.75 QB rating along with a strong 24 to 7 TD to INT ratio. Defensively they have intercepted 16 passes, the same number as passing touchdowns allowed. They have a +8 turnover differential which has contributed to their 7-5 record. After all Boston College was only able to out gain the opposition by 0.08 ypp. 

Much like BC, Nebraska started the season with a bang, winning 5 of 6 to start the season. The only defeat came against #21 Illinois. But since that time the Cornhuskers have dropped 5 of 6 games, scoring just 74 total points in those five losses. Similar to their opponent Nebraska struggled outside of Lincoln, with a 1-4 road record. 

Nebraska only averaged 3.78 ypc and have a TD to INT ratio of 11 to 12. They did allow a solid 19.8 ppg which is the strong point of this club.

Weather can always be a factor in this late December game in New York, and we feel both teams will struggle to move the football. Boston College played Big Ten entrant Michigan State at home in a 23-19 victory. We expect a similar total points scored in this one.

PLAY UNDER

THE PLAY: Los Angeles Rams -6.0 (-110)

416 Arizona at LA Rams -6

The Cardinals dominated the Rams in the earlier meeting, winning 41-10 in blowout fashion. But that was all the way back in week 2, and was very likely the peak of the season for Arizona. The Cardinals have been good bullies this year with wins over the Patriots, Jets, Bears, Dolphins and 49ers. A two point victory over the Chargers is the only other victory over a team with a current winning record. The Cardinals are just 2-5 on the road, 3-7 in conference while losing 4 of their last 5 games. A loss here to the Rams knocks them completely out of the playoff picture. 

The Rams struggled out of the gate losing 4 of 5 to start the season. But have been one of the most consistent teams in the league since. On an 8-2 run with victories over the likes of Buffalo and Minnesota, two teams with serious Super Bowl aspirations. 

When looking at Net Point Differential the Rams are 9-6 and yet have been outscored by 18 points, while the Cardinals come in at 7-8 and have outscored then opposition by 2 on the season. That said, it’s clear the Rams not only have revenge on their minds, but have proven themselves against better competition. This is a high number considering year to date stats, but recent play clearly points to the host.

PLAY LOS ANGELES RAMS