Pac-12 Predictions: Picks every game against the spread for Week 3

Sep 12, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Nate Starks (23) runs with the ball against the UNLV Rebels during the third quarter at Sam Boyd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports

BYU Cougars At UCLA Bruins

Pasadena, California

The Line: UCLA -14

UCLA is looking like a contender for the conference crown after an impressive two weeks. That victory over Virginia is looking good after the scare the Cavaliers gave ninth ranked Notre Dame in week 2. While UNLV is probably not competing for anything other than a lower tier bowl, 37-3 is still a good win against any squad. While BYU is living large after a dramatic road victory over Nebraska followed by a home upset of Boise State. This should be fantastic game, and you can see it on Fox Sports 1, 6:30PM, pacific time on Saturday.

Keys To The Game:

The Cougars lost their starting quarterback for the year in the win over Nebraska, but back-up Tyler Mangum filled in nicely, throwing for 309 yards and two touchdowns, the latter of which put the Cougars ahead with just 45 seconds left in the game.

The dramatic passes have been a great story, but they downplay the real strength of this team: defense. Against Boise State, BYU allowed just 64 yards on the ground while intercepting Boise State quarterback Ryan Finley three times. UCLA freshman quarterback Josh Rosen looked great in the opener, but he came back down to earth a bit in the game against UNLV, completing 22-of-42 passes for 223 yards. If the Bruins want to keep rolling, then Rosen will need to have a big game against that stout Cougar run defense.

The Prediction:

Rosen gets his groove back in another big home game, while the Bruin defense lays the smack down on BYU. The Cougars play admirably, but there is no miracle comeback this week as they fall before a superior team. The final score? UCLA 31, BYU 13.

Next: Utah At Fresno State