Las Vegas Bowl: BYU Cougars vs. Oregon State Beavers
- The fans at Sam Boyd Stadium will be treated to a game between the BYU Cougars and the Oregon State Beavers when they take their seats for the Las Vegas Bowl.
Oddsmakers currently have the Beavers listed as 2½-point favorites versus the Cougars, while the game's total is sitting at 58½.
Max Hall found Andrew George for a game-winning touchdown, giving BYU a 26-23 win over Utah at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Week 13.
Utah covered as an 8.5-point road underdog while the final score played UNDER the 56.5-point total.
Oregon State was defeated 37-33 by Oregon in Week 14 as a 9.5-point underdog. That game's combined score made it OVER the posted total of 63.
Sean Canfield threw for 306 yards with a pair of touchdowns in that loss.
Team records:
BYU: 10-2 SU, 5-7 ATS
Oregon State: 8-4 SU, 7-4 ATS
BYU most recently:
When playing in December are 4-6
When playing on turf are 8-2
After being outgained are 9-1
When playing outside the conference are 8-2
Oregon State most recently:
When playing in December are 7-3
When playing on turf are 7-3
After being outgained are 9-1
When playing outside the conference are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
BYU is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
BYU is 6-15 ATS in its last 21 games
Oregon State is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Oregon State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
What Bettors Need To Know: Las Vegas Bowl
By Nick Parsons.
Mormon nation will be headed to Sin City when the No. 14 BYU Cougars take on No. 18 Oregon State in the Las Vegas Bowl.
BYU had an outstanding 10-2 year with wins over Oklahoma and Utah, while the Beavers went 8-4 and finished in a three-way tie for second place in the Pac-10.
Spread and totals
The spread for the game opened up at -1 in favor of Oregon State and now sits at -2.5 at most sports books.
The Beavers have a decent 7-4 ATS record this season and have covered the spread in their last four games. The postseason has been good to them as well. Oregon State holds an all-time bowl record of 8-4.
BYU went 6-6 ATS and this will only be the third time this year the team will be getting points. The Cougars lost, 31-21, and failed to cover as 3-point underdogs in last year’s Las Vegas Bowl.
The total for the game opened up at 60.5 and has since seen downward movement to 58.5. Popular opinion seems to be on the over regardless of the number, suggesting that some sharp bets were put on the under early on.
BYU is 7-5 on the over/under this year, while Oregon State is 5-6. This is the fifth straight year that BYU will be playing in the Las Vegas Bowl and the total has gone under three times in those previous four appearances. Last year's total was 62 and the game went under by 10 points.
BYU's second home
While alcohol sales at Sam Boyd Stadium will be one-sided, or at least they're supposed to be, the Cougar fan base has had a positive impact on this bowl game. BYU's first appearance in 2005 marked the first sellout for a bowl that was in financial trouble.
This year's game was announced as sellout earlier this week, with most of the support coming from BYU.
The players don't seem to mind the location.
"Vegas is a good venue. Unless you're going to a BCS game, I don't know where else you'd want to go," said BYU defensive lineman Jan Jorgensen. "There's a lot of stuff to do."
Oregon State coach Mike Riley is fully aware of this advantage.
"It is like a home game for BYU," he said. “They've earned this spot in this bowl game, what is it, like five years in a row?"
Both teams have had previous appearances in Las Vegas this year against UNLV. Oregon State won 23-21, while BYU blew out the Running Rebels 59-21 in October
Name game
BYU's defense will be focused on the Rodgers’ brothers. Jacquizz has rushed for 1377 yards and 20 TDs, while James has caught 88 passes for 1012 yards and nine TDs.
BYU QB Max Hall has a school high 31 wins as a starter and he will look to close out his collegiate career strong. He threw for 3368 yards this year and 30 TDs this year. He'll be carrying momentum from his game-winning TD in OT that beat rivals Utah 26-23
Does Oregon State care?
BYU will be graduating Max Hall along and several key players on defense. They’ll look to make a statement on a BCS team and Oregon State will have to be prepared for an early surge from the Cougars.
The Beavers ended the regular season with a heartbreaking, four-point loss to Oregon. A victory would have put them in the Rose Bowl.
"The first thing you have to do is address the disappointment," OSU coach Mike Riley said. "It's real. It's not going to go away."
Oregon State has a majority of its squad returning for next year and a good performance against BYU will influence its preseason ranking for 2010.
It’s been a tough year for the Beavers, but all four of their losses came against ranked teams. Only the game against Cincinnati was decided by more than a touchdown.
BYU (10 - 2) vs. OREGON ST (8 - 4)
Top Trends for this game.
BYU is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) after playing a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
BYU is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
OREGON ST is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OREGON ST is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
OREGON ST is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest since 1992.
OREGON ST is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) after playing a conference game this season.
OREGON ST is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) after a bye week since 1992.
OREGON ST is 77-53 ATS (+18.7 Units) in games played on turf since 1992.
OREGON ST is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
BYU vs. OREGON STATE
BYU is 6-15 ATS in its last 21 games
BYU is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Oregon State is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Oregon State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Las Vegas Bowl
BYU vs. Oregon State
BYU
0-6 ATS if the total is between 56.5 and 63
0-6 ATS if they committed no turnovers last game
Oregon State
6-0 ATS Away off BB ATS wins
20-8 ATS off bye week
BYU
9-4-1 dog or fav 4 or less points vs Pac 10… opponent’s win-loss percentage .465 this season
Oregon State
5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS in bowl games L5Y… PAC 10 bowl favorites 3-15 vs opponent of loss or win of 3 or less points
Las Vegas Bowl Preview
By Chris David
The college football bowl season is in full swing and gamblers have watched the underdogs post a 2-1 record, both straight up and against the spread, through the first three games. Delving into these games further, it’s apparent that some teams are hungrier than others and sometimes the more talented squad doesn’t always win. Wyoming (+300) and Middle Tennessee State (+150) aren’t used to bowling on a yearly basis but the two small-school programs captured outright victories against a pair of teams (Fresno State, Southern Mississippi) that have been regulars on the recent postseason circuit.
On Tuesday, bettors will face the aforementioned dilemma again when Brigham Young (10-2 SU, 5-6 ATS) and Oregon State (8-4 SU, 7-4 ATS) meet in the Las Vegas Bowl from Sam Boyd Stadium.
Even though the Cougars own the better record, the betting public believes the Beavers are the better squad in this matchup. However, some folks are questioning Oregon State’s drive for this game, considering it was a win away from going to the Rose Bowl. Unfortunately, the Beavers came up short in the Civil War to Oregon 37-33 on Dec. 3 and now they’re playing in Las Vegas, rather than Pasadena. Will the Beavers’ talented club show up in Sin City or get caught up in the experience on the Strip?
Oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have Oregon State listed as a three-point favorite, and the total is hovering between 58 and 59 points.
It’s easy to see why the public likes the Beavers, since they closed the year with a 7-1 record against the spread. Plus, bettors have often been faulted for falling in love with teams that boast great skilled position players and Oregon State has a great nucleus.
Quarterback Sean Canfield (21 TDs, 3,103 yards) was arguably the best quarterback in the Pac 10 this year and he’s been complimented by running back Jacquizz Rodgers (1,377 yards, 20 TDs). The pair was tabbed first-team all-Pac 10 selections on offense. Rodgers older brother, James, is no slouch either. The wide receiver led the Beavers with receptions (87), yards (1,007) and receiving touchdowns (9) this season.
The trio helped the Oregon State offense average 32.4 points per game this year. Another stat that sticks out with the Beavers is their ability to protect the football. The team only turned it over eight times, which is the best mark in the nation.
Another reason to back OSU on Tuesday is based off its success in bowl games under head coach Mike Riley. The Beavers are 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS during his tenure but keep in mind the last three postseason wins came by only a combined 11 points (1, 7, 3).
Before you run to the betting counter and hammer Oregon State, you should probably digest some information on BYU and its loyal faithful. Vegas Insider.com handicapper Dave Cokin explained, “Oregon State should have decent representation on Tuesday, but make no mistake, the Beavers are the road team here. From a motivational point, I see a big edge for the Cougars. They consider this their game and want to atone for last year's defeat to Arizona in the Las Vegas Bowl.”
As Cokin mentioned, BYU has been no stranger to the desert. This will be the fifth straight year that the Cougars will play in the Las Vegas Bowl. The team has gone 2-2 during this stretch, which includes the loss to Arizona (21-31). In last year’s setback to the Wildcats, it’s fair to say that BYU fell into the trap that Oregon State faces this week. The Cougars lost to Utah 42-24 in their 2008 regular season finale, which carried over to the bowl loss.
This season, BYU edged Utah 26-23 in overtime on Nov. 28 behind quarterback Max Hall. The gun slinger has rung up 3,368 yards and 30 TDs while completing 67.5 percent of his passes. He’s had lapses at times though, evidenced by 14 interceptions and 20 sacks. Fortunately for Hall, he’s got a solid running back in Harvey Unga (1,016, 10 TDs), plus a nice safety outlet in tight end Dennis Pitta (57 catches, 784 yards).
The knock on Bronco Mendenhall and his troops this year has been their defense against quality opponents. Florida State destroyed the Cougars 54-28 in Provo on Sept. 19 and TCU posted a 38-7 on Oct. 24 from Fort Worth. If you toss out this pair, the defense only gave up 16.8 PPG and that included a 13-point effort against Oklahoma in Week 1. We understand the Sooners’ Sam Bradford was knocked out late in the first half but BYU held them to 10 points before the injury.
Ironically, this will be the second trip to Sam Boyd Stadium this season for both BYU and OSU. The Cougars drilled UNLV 59-21 as 17-point favorites on Oct. 10 and the Beavers stopped the Rebels 23-21 but failed to cover as 6½-point favorites on Sept. 12.
Including Oregon State’s win over UNLV, the Pac 10 went 3-0 in head-to-head meetings against the Mountain West Conference during the regular season. Dating back to 2000, OSU is 7-1 SU and 5-3 ATS versus schools from the MWC. BYU has gone 5-4 both SU and ATS in its nine meetings against Pac 10 foes.
If you’re looking at bowl trends, make a note that the Pac 10 went 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS bowl games last year and is 9-2 SU and 10-1 ATS the last two postseasons.
The ‘over’ has gone 3-0 in the first three bowls and the total on this game is fairly high. BYU watched the ‘over’ go 7-5, but Oregon State watched the ‘under’ go 6-5 during the regular season.
Oregon State and BYU have squared off eight times and the Beavers have come away with five victories. The last meeting between the two schools was in 1978, with OSU capturing a 10-7 win from Corvallis.
The latest weather reports out of Las Vegas expect precipitation early in the day but clear skies by kickoff. Temperatures are expected in the low fifties.
ESPN will provide national coverage of this game at 8:00 p.m. EST.
vegasinder.com
BYU right at home in Las Vegas
By Doug Upstone
This is easily the best of the early bowl conflicts, ranking 8th on our radar, with two Top 25 teams. This is BYUs fifth straight Las Vegas Bowl, which seemingly isnt that big a problem, since the Mormons have a large population in the southern part of Nevada. Maybe in a different economy, the Cougars (10-2, 5-7 ATS) might be inclined to look at another site, but given the choice, Vegas made the most sense.
BYUs senior class has won 10 or more games for the fourth year in a row. Quarterback Max Hall directs the 13th best pass attack in the land at 299.6 yards per game. Coach Bronco Mendenhall is an Oregon State alumnus and former defensive coordinator with the Beavers and hopes for running back Harvey Unga continued health. Slowed with severely injured hamstring in fall camp, only recently has Unga gone full tilt like he did against Utah in gaining 116 yards. Opposing coaches agree, the Cougars are much harder to prepare for with a healthy Unga. BYU is 4-13 ATS after the first month of the season the last two years.
Oregon State (8-4, 7-4-1 ATS) was oh so close to making first Rose Bowl appearance in 46 years, but came up short to rival Oregon in pivotal contest. A justifiable question is the Beavers mental state after falling to the Ducks. In a similar scenario a year ago, Oregon State bounced back and won the Sun Bowl, however this year they have nine fewer days to prepare, making it harder to gauge response time.
Sean Canfield closed career with a brilliant senior campaign (16th passing offense), completing a school-record 70 percent of his passes. The Rodgers brothers, Quizz and James, will test BYUs speed on the defensive perimeter. Oregon State is 13-4 ATS when playing with two weeks or more of rest under coach Mike Riley.
BYU opened as early 1.5-point favorites and were swiftly turned around to underdogs. The Cougars are 4-2 and 3-3 ATS vs other bowl teams, with Oregon State 3-4 and 4-3 ATS. The BYU bowl history is pretty pathetic at 9-17-1 SU and 9-16-1 ATS, including 6-9 ATS as underdogs. The Beavers are 8-5 SU and 5-3 ATS (5-0 and 4-1 ATS under Riley), with 5-3 spread record as favorites. Since the bowl committee established an affiliation with the Mountain West, the conference is 6-6 and 5-6-1 ATS.
Betonline.com has Oregon State now posted as 2.5-point favorites, with total having sunk two points to 58.5. Both teams were excellent away from home, with the eager Beavers 4-2 and 5-1 ATS and the feisty Cougars 6-0 and 4-2 ATS, winning by over 26 points a game.
Oregon State is 9-2 ATS when playing against a team with a winning record over the last two seasons and the total might be an indicator of outcome since coach Rileys team is 7-1 ATS when they score 28 or more points.
This is 8:00 Eastern start on ESPN and the favorite in a BYU bowl game is on 7-0 and 5-2 ATS run.
Las Vegas Bowl News and Notes
Oregon State coach Riley is 5-0 in bowls; Pac-10 teams are 23-10 SU in bowls last six years, 10-1 last two years. BYU is in Las Vegas Bowl for fifth year in row; they're 2-3 in last five bowls, 1-2 as underdog- overall, BYU is 9-17-1 in bowl games. Mountain West teams won 10 of last 14 bowls the last three years.
Oregon State won four of last five games, covered seven of last eight, but for second year in row, their loss to archrival Oregon cost them a spot in Rose Bowl; they scored 31+ points in six of last seven games, are 7-0 if they allow less than 28 points. BYU scored 35 ppg in losing last four in a row; they got crushed in their two losses this year, 54-28 by Florida State, 38-7 to TCU, both at home. Cougars beat UNLV 59-21 here on October 10.
Normally, a team playing in same bowl fifth year in row would be a red flag, but this is Las Vegas; no one minds being there. Oregon State might be disappointed not playing in Rose Bowl. Mountain West underdogs are 9-7 vs spread in non-league games. Pac-10 favorites are 7-7.
Tips and Trends
Brigham Young Cougars vs. Oregon St. Beavers
Cougars: BYU is 10-2 SU this season, with both losses coming in blowout fashion to ranked opponents. BYU is also a staggering 6-0 away from home, including 4-2 ATS. Today will be the 3rd time this season the Cougars will be an underdog. They lost to TCU at home, and beat Oklahoma on a neutral field as 22 point underdogs. Senior QB Max Hall will be playing the final college game of his career tonight. Hall has thrown for more than 3,350 YDS while accumulating 32 TDs against 14 INTs. Most importantly, Hall is the all time winningest QB in BYU history with 31 wins. Hall leads an offense that averages nearly 35 PPG for the season. Defensively, BYU only gives up 21.7 PPG, and is particularly tough against the run. The Cougars rank 23rd in the country at stopping the run. This is the 5th consecutive time that BYU has played in the Las Vegas Bowl.
BYU is 1-4 ATS last 5 games as an underdog.
Under is 16-3 last 19 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
Key Injuries - DB Garett Nicholson (grades) is out.
LB Terrance Hooks (knee) is out.
PROJECTED SCORE: 24
Beavers (-2.5, O/U 58.5): Oregon St. and Coach Riley are known as a great bowl team. They will put that perception on the line against BYU tonight. The Beavers had a chance to play in the Rose Bowl, but came 4 points short of beating their rival Oregon. Despite their last loss, the Beavers have won 7 of their last 8 games ATS. For the season, Oregon St. is 4-2 SU and 5-1 ATS away from home. Today represents the 3rd time all season the Beavers have been favored away from home. The Beavers are really playing well on offense, as they've scored more than 30 PTS in 4 straight games, and 6 of their past 7 games. QB Sean Canfield has thrown for more than 3,100 YDS while completing 70% of his passes. The Rodgers brothers have combined to score 32 TDs this season. Defensively, the Beavers have held 4 of their past 5 opponents to 21 PTS or fewer.
Oregon St. is 6-1 ATS last 7 bowl games.
Under is 4-1 last 5 non-conference games.
Key Injuries - CB Tim Clark (ankle) is questionable.
DT Mitchel Hunt (knee) is out.
PROJECTED SCORE: 34 (Side of the Day)