Brigham Young (plus 5 1/2) over UCLA - Ty Detmer's chances to win another Heisman Trophy will vanish before the autumnal equinox without a good performance this week and against Penn State next week.

BYU's young offensive line gave its quarterback little protection in the Cougars' 44-28 loss to Florida State, leaving Detmer with little time to work any of his magic against a monster Seminoles defense. However, things should get better with a game of experience and a UCLA team coming off a 5-6 campaign last year.The Bruins have a tendency to start slowly and haven't done much to improve a defense that was trampled repeatedly last season. The secondary is solid but the lack of a pass rush will bury the Bruins.

Brigham Young 32, UCLA 24.

Thursday

LOUISVILLE (plus 7 1/2) over Tennessee - Cardinals looked quite vulnerable in sluggishly beating Eastern Kentucky but have the edge of having played a game. The Tennessee attack is rebuilding after losing eight offensive starters last year. Louisville 20, Tennessee 17.

Atlantic

Michigan (minus 24) over BOSTON COLLEGE - Golden Eagles held a plus-2 advantage in turnovers against Rutgers last week and still managed to come away with only 13 points. Wolverines will manhandle scrawnier opponents. Michigan 38, Boston College 10.

South

Texas (minus 9) over MISSISSIPPI STATE - Texas Coach David McWilliams finds former A&M nemesis Jackie Sherill staring at him across the field in his season opener but the talent at Mississippi State lags far behind the Longhorns. Texas 31, Mississippi State 17.

Mississippi (pick 'em) over MEMPHIS STATE - The Tigers don't have much time to come down from Monday's big upset of Southern Cal, which is to their detriment. A tough Mississippi team should have the ability to take advantage of the Tigers' short week. Mississippi 24, Memphis State 18.

Midwest

Indiana (plus 17 1/2) over NOTRE DAME - A big scare in South Bend. The Fighting Irish have only four starters back on a suspect defense and must open with an Indiana offense that returns 10 starters. The distractions caused by last week's arrests of Rick Mirer and Demetrious DuBose don't help either. Notre Dame 25, Indiana 22.

OHIO STATE (minus 8) over Arizona - Wildcats don't have a passing game and nobody knows what kind of attack the running backs will provide from week to week. After failing in five years at Arizona State, Ohio State Coach John Cooper finally beats the Wildcats. Ohio State 24, Arizona 14.

Hawaii (plus 16 1/2) over IOWA - The Rainbow Warriors surprised a good Wyoming team on the road last Saturday and have spent the week in Chicago, avoiding some big-time jet lag. The spread is just too good to pass up here. Iowa 30, Hawaii 20.

Central

TEXAS CHRISTIAN (minus 20) over New Mexico - The Lobos are in for a lesson on the run-and-shoot offense they are trying to install. Texas Christian should pile up the points on one of the worst defensive teams in the nation. Texas Christian 40, New Mexico 16.

West

Washington (minus 7 1/2) over STANFORD - As good as Stanford running back Glyn Milburn is, the Washington defense looks to be one of the best in the nation. The Huskies also should be buoyed by news that injured quarterback Mark Brunell has been cleared to work out and should return soon. Washington 31, Stanford 21.

Wyoming (plus 24) over COLORADO - Saturday marks the first big test for the rebuilt knee of Colorado quarterback Darian Hagan. It probably will take a little time to work out the kinks, making a 24-point spread difficult to overcome. Colorado 32, Wyoming 14.

View Comments

Best bet - Indiana.

Last week - 7-4.

Best bets - 1-0.

(Home teams in CAPS.)

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