BYU vs. UNLV Prediction
Can UNLV pick up a win at home and cover the spread against BYU when the two teams meet up tonight at 10:30PM ET?
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, UNLV is favored at home on Saturday, as the Rebels are getting odds of -4.5 points against BYU. The over/under total for the contest has been set at 49.5 points. BYU has won the seven straight meetings with UNLV, but the Rebels have covered the spread in three of the last five meetings. The public is currently putting 71 percent of the wagers on UNLV at home. Tonight’s game takes place from Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada and the contest will air live on ESPN2.
UNLV is coming off a 31-23 win over Hawaii last weekend for its second straight victory. The Rebels are now 4-5 on the season and 6-3 against the spread. The Rebels have covered in six of their last eight. UNLV is giving up 32.4 points and 464.6 yards per game this season, including 222 rushing yards per game. On offense, the Rebels are putting up 30.1 points and 424.4 yards per game. Lexington Thomas is leading the team with 1,063 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns while QB Armani Rogers has 538 yards and six scores. Rogers has also thrown for 1,100 yards and five touchdowns. Devonte Boyd is the leading receiver with 26 catches for 493 yards and two scores.
BYU is coming off a 20-13 loss at Fresno State last weekend to fall to 2-8 on the season. The Cougars are 2-8 against the spread as well, but the Cougars have covered in their last two games. BYU hasn’t had much offense this season, averaging just 15.1 points and 305.2 yards per game. Injuries have played a big factor as BYU has four running backs and two quarterbacks on the injury report. Current starter Beau Hoge is questionable for this game due to an ankle injury. He is completing just 48 percent of his passes in place of Tanner Mangum, who suffered a torn Achilles. Squally Canada is the leading rusher with 333 yards on 67 carries. On defense, BYU is allowing just 26.4 points and 381.5 yards per game.
BYU has had history on its side in this series, but this isn’t the same BYU team and the spread seems very small for a 2-win team going on the road. BYU is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 on the road and 0-5 ATS in its last 5 Friday games. UNLV has been better in this setting, going 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 Friday games. UNLV can handle itself at home, especially against this BYU team that is being held together with tape. Go with the Rebels at home.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREDICTION: UNLV -4.5