ESPN had an interesting on the game. This was before the spread but still an interesting/positive writeup.
Connecticut Huskies (+17.5) at BYU Cougars(Friday)
We really like the way the coaches, players and the whole Connecticut organization has handled a difficult preparation week ahead of the longest road trip in school history. The Huskies have a tough defense, especially up front. The offense has a little more punch than last year's thanks to three emerging playmakers: N.C. State transfer quarterback
Bryant Shirreffs and running back
Arkeel Newsome, both sophomores, and freshman wideout
Tyraiq Beals. This is an improved team with a legit defense that is ready to play this week.
The BYU offense has been running on adrenaline since losing
Taysom Hill in a wild opener at Nebraska that the Cougars won on a Hail Mary. BYU has also seen its top three running backs go down, along with half of the "Bash Brothers," a duo of defensive linemen-turned-blocking tight ends around whom the running game was to be built. BYU's ambitious September left the Cougars 2-2 and ended on a down note. This offense needs to regroup and rediscover its identity. The defense is having tackling issues at all levels. Health is poor. And the hope of major national prizes just got swept off the table with a humbling loss. It's hard to see how BYU is primed to score 18, let alone lay this kind of weight.
ATS pick: Connecticut
Score: BYU 20, Connecticut 14