Bowl Preview: Papa Johns, New Mexico, Las Vegas
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by The Beast
(19) BYU v. UCLA: Las Vegas Bowl In the first meeting back in September, UCLA edged the Cougars by ten points, but in actuality, BYU dominated the Bruins. Despite the final score, BYU outgained UCLA offensively 435-236, but three turnovers doomed the Cougars. Don't expect BYU to make so many mistakes this time around.
This is a young Cougar team that has really improved throughout the course of the season. Sophomore quarterback Max Hall has replaced John Beck quite nicely with 3,617 yards and 24 touchdowns. However, this year the Cougars are a little more balanced offensively with Harvey Unga rushing for 1,211 yards and 13 touchdowns.
This offensive surge will be way too much for the Bruins' defense. With the recent Karl Dorrell firing, the Bruins won't be mentally prepared for the game against a really good Cougars team. BYU 38-17
(20) Cincinnati v. Southern Mississippi: PapaJohns.com Bowl After such a succesful first season of the Brian Kelly era, it would have been nice to see the Bearcats in a big-time bowl. Despite that, the Bearcats will still be geared up to earn their 10th victory, which will be a huge step for the program. Cincinnati feature head coach Brian Kelly's signature no-huddle spread offense, and senior quarterback Ben Mauk runs it to absolute perfection. The Wake Forest transfer finished ninth nationally in pass efficiency with 27 TDs and just six interceptions. With Mauk at the controls, the Bearcats also rank 14th in scoring offense (36.75 points per game). The Bearcats are average on defense but they are pretty good against the run, which is Southern Mississippi's strong suit. Cincy's offense and talent is too good for the Eagles so expect Mauk to finish his college career in style. Cincinnati 45-14
New Mexico v. Nevada: New Mexico I think the whole point of creating the New Mexico Bowl for for the Lobos to have at least one bowl that they would make very single year. On paper, both of these teams are pretty average and really don't deserve to be in a bowl game, especially the Lobos. So far this season, New Mexico ranks 84th in total offense (357.42 yards per game) and 78th in scoring offense (24.83 points per game). That lack of offensive production doesn't work too well in high scoring bowl games. While Nevada is only 6-6, they are a little better than their record indicates. The Wolfpack is 3-5 in games decided by eight points or fewer, including a 69-67 quadruple-overtime loss to Boise State and a 28-26 defeat to Hawaii. If they can finish the deal against an average New Mexico team than the Wolfpack will finish over .500 for the third straight season. Nevada 35-21
Yesterday: 1-0
Bowl Record: 2-0
