Pac-12 Predictions: Week 2 picks against the spread

September 5, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins Josh Rosen (3) looks o pass against the Virginia Cavaliers during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

UCLA Bruins At UNLV Rebels

Las Vegas, Nevada

The Line: UCLA -28

UCLA definitely looked the part of a national championship contender in their 34-16 dismantling of visiting Virginia last Saturday. A dominant defense and excellent quarterback play by freshman Josh Rosen has the hype machine in Los Angeles in fifth gear. The Rebels, meanwhile, lost a road game to Northern Illinois, 38-30. This game is going to be lopsided, but the question is just how bad will it be? Tune in at 6:30PM on Saturday on CBS Sports Network to see for yourself.

Keys To The Game:

The Virginia Cavaliers have a good defense, but the Bruins still had their way both on the ground and in the air. UCLA ran for 4.5 yards per carry while Rosen threw for 351 yards and three touchdowns. Northern Illinois did the same to the Rebels, throwing for 360 yards while also rushing for 4.4 yards per carry.

Clearly, this is the case of just how aggressive UCLA and their freshman quarterback will be against an inferior opponent. Rosen, after all, was in the friendly confines of Los Angeles, while this game will be on the road with a hostile crowd. All indications are that Rosen is much more than just hype, but he still has not been tested on the road. How he fares early in this game will give a clue about the future of the Bruins this season.

The Prediction:

Giving 28 points on the road seems like too much for a freshman quarterback, but after watching him play last week I am all in on the Bruins and Josh Rosen. Look for them to roll the Rebels in stunning fashion as they continue their march toward a division-deciding game November 28th against USC. Final score? UCLA 65, UNLV 14.

Next: Oregon At Michigan State