UCLA Bruins (2-0 SU, 1-1 ATS) vs. Memphis Tigers (1-0 SU, 0-1 ATS)
NCAA Football Week 2
Date/Time:Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Noon EST
Where: Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
TV: ABC
by Jerbeek, Expert Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread:UCLA -3/Mem +3
Over/Under Total:no line
UCLA followed up their thrilling comeback victory against Texas A&M with a dismantling of the over matched Hawaii Rainbows by a score of 56-23 in a game that was really not even that close. UCLA led 35-7 at the half and cruised to victory from there. Future NFL signal caller Josh Rosen was very efficient completing 22/25 passes for 329 yards and 5 touchdowns. Memphis did not play last week because their game with Central Florida was cancelled due to Hurricane Irma.
The Bruins are have a high powered offensive attack averaging over 50 points per game after 2 games. They are averaging 7.6 yards per play and are primarily doing the damage to their opponents through the air by averaging 432 yards passing per game and adding another 97.5 yards on the ground.
Memphis is traditionally a strong rushing team and that appears to be the case again this year. The Tigers rushed for 319 yards in their first game against Louisiana Monroe and averaged a staggering 8.2 yards per rush. The game against Louisiana Monroe was not as close as the final score appeared as Memphis led 37-14 after 3 quarters and looked to be have the game easily in hand before giving up 2 late touchdowns to make the final 37-29. Memphis was led by Darrell Hendersons 169 yards on the ground while Patrick Taylor, Jr. chipped in another 131 yards. Henderson averaged a whopping 14.1 yards per carry as the Tigers showed big play capabilities with touchdowns from 63 and 66 yards out and a 99 yard kickoff return.
The Bruins have struggled in stopping the run as they gave up 382 yards rushing to the Aggies in game 1. UCLA has been stingy with their passing game as opponents are only averaging 4.7 yards per attempt. The Bruin run defense will be tested this week against the Tiger attack.
The Tiger defense struggled a bit in game 1 against the pass giving up an average of 7.5 yards per attempt. The pass defense will need some great improvements as the Tigers will be making a big step up in competition this week against Josh Rosen.
UCLA is led by head coach Jim Mora, Jr. who finds himself on the hot seat after last years 4-8 finish. Over the past 3 seasons the Bruins are 10-7 SU on the road but they are only 5-10 ATS as a road team favorite.
The Tigers are led by head coach Mike Norvell who is in his 2nd year of coaching and finished 8-5 last year. Memphis is 15-4 SU at home the past 3 seasons and 2-1 ATS as a home team dog during that period.
Jerbeeks Pick to Cover the Point Spread: One of the strategies I use in NCAA handicapping that has served me well over the years is to look for the team that I think is going to rush for more yards and to focus on that team if they are an underdog. In this game we have the added bonus of the underdog being at home which sets up for a spot that I really like. I think the Bruins will have hard time stopping the Tigers rushing attack and I will take the points with the Memphis Tigers +3. – Bet your pick for this game using your credit card at an online bookie where it WILL work for deposits and where you’ll receive a generous 100% signup bonus on your first deposit of $100 to $250! (Example: Deposit $250 and they’ll give you an extra $250 FREE!) Find this great offer at Bovada Sportsbook.