Las Vegas Bowl Betting Odds

Opening Line: Oregon State -2.5 / BYU +2.5 O/U 60.5

Time: 8 PM EST Tuesday December 22, 2009 on ESPN

The BYU Cougars and their high scoring offense take on the Oregon State Beavers in the Las Vegas Bowl. This is the 5th year in a row that BYU has played in the Las Vegas Bowl. Oregon State had won 4 games leading up to their season finale, which they lost to Oregon in the Civil War game and that cost them a shot at playing the BCS Rose Bowl. This is the first ever Las Vegas Bowl that is between 2 ranked teams. BYU won their last 4 games of the season and their only 2 losses where to #3 TCU and Florida State. This season BYU was 2-1 against ranked teams and Oregon State was only 1-3.

This season BYU was 5-6 ATS and Oregon State was 7-4 ATS.

BYU ranks 18th in the nation on defense and they are well balanced with QB Max Hall (3,368 yds 30 TD), who was an early season Heisman candidate, and RB Harvey Unga (1,016 yds 10 TD), who averaged 5.5 yards per carry this season. Hall can air it out, as he had over 300 yards passing in 8 of BYU's 12 games. The Cougars can light up the scoreboard, as they ranked 13th in the nation in scoring (34.8 points per game). Oregon State has a decent defense, ranked 50th in the nation, but they are much stronger defending the run ranking 25th in the nation with a pass defense only ranking 87th. The Beavers will have to get to Hall and not give him time in the pocket, as he may torch the Beavers' secondary if he is given time.

Oregon State has the nation's 28th ranked offense and they are also well balanced. QB Sean Canfield (3,103 yds 21 TD) is solid and his main target is WR James Rodgers (87 rec 1,004 yds 9 TD), who also had 289 rushing yards and a TD this season. In the backfield is Rodgers' brother RB Jacquizz Rodgers (1,377 yds 20 TD), who can take it to the house every time he touches the ball. BYU's defense ranks 35th in the nation and they are stronger at defending the run than the pass. Canfield may have to have a big game if the Cougars can stuff the run.

BYU may have a bit of a home field advantage since this game is closer to them and their fans are getting used to going to Sin City for the Las Vegas Bowl.

Our Selection : The Cougars just don't have anyone to compare with the Rodgers brothers explosiveness. Toss in the rumours that the Beavers are highly motivated for this game and we look for an easy win for Oregon State over Bringham Young. Take Oregon State -2.5


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