4* NCAAF *Friday Night Feast* (ESPN) on BYU -27

Hawaii vs. BYU, 09/28/2012 20:00 EDT, Score: 0 - 47

Point Spread: -27/-110 BYU

Sportsbook: BookMaker

Result: Win

4* NCAAF *Friday Night Feast* (ESPN) on BYU -27
Off back-to-back narrow defeats on the road to a pair of quality opponents, expect BYU to bounce back strong at home against a poor Hawaii team it has owned.

The Cougars have won 8 of their last 9 against the Warriors with each of the last 5 wins coming by double digits.

Hawaii has faced two quality opponents this season and was whacked by both. It lost to USC by 39 and to Nevada by 45.

BYU won last season's meeting by 21 on the road, and I like its chances of winning this one by 30-plus considering its level of motivation, the fact it’s at home and the fact it has had 2 extra days to prepare. It's really even more extra prep time than that considering the time Hawaii had to spend traveling.

The BYU defense has been phenomenal. It ranks 7th nationally in total defense (246.0 yards allowed per game) and 13th nationally in scoring defense (12.5 points allowed per game). It has also forced 9 turnovers the past 3 weeks. If it could hold Boise State to 7 points on the road it can pitch a shutout tonight. That's why I like the Cougars laying the points in this spot regardless if QB Riley Nelson plays.

The Cougars haven't given up much of anything on the ground, which is significant because Hawaii is more reliant on its ground game that it has been for years. BYU is 6-0 ATS after allowing 125 or less rushing yards in 3 straight games over the last 3 seasons. It is also 6-0 ATS in its last 6 versus the Mountain West.

Also, Hawaii is 0-6 ATS following a conference game over the last 2 seasons. Lay the points.