UCLA Bruins at Utah Utes: Betting Guide

UCLA Bruins

Next game: vs. Colorado

Last Game

UCLA was as high as a 2½-point favorite before the line fell to one. The late money was correct as No. 7 Oregon prevailed 34-31. The game snuck over the 62 total. Thompson-Robinson took countless hits and was sacked four times before leaving the game in the fourth quarter. The Bruins couldn’t get much going on the ground with senior running back Brittain Brown and Thompson-Robinson combining for 80 of the 110 yards. The duo, though, totaled three touchdowns.

Injury Report

Thompson was favoring his right throwing shoulder as he exited the field during the fourth quarter last week. He was seen at practice Tuesday wearing a wrap on his right hand after only wearing a glove Monday. He was throwing passes at practice Wednesday, a good sign but not a sure one that he will play.

Utah Utes

Next game: at Stanford

Last Game

Utah laid an egg at Oregon State by blowing a 10-point lead in a 42-34 loss that soared over the 58 total. The Utes had won against the spread in their previous two games. Utah led 24-14 at halftime before falling behind 42-31 with 9 minutes, 49 seconds to play. Sophomore quarterback Cameron Rising threw for 267 yards and two touchdowns, including one to Kuithe.

Injury Report

Offensive lineman Jaren Kump is questionable with a leg injury. The 306-pound freshman has missed the last two games after starting the previous four..

Betting on the Game

Thompson-Robinson’s status has already caused the spread to grow two points – a pretty significant move when it comes to betting online. If he cannot go, it appears that Ethan Garbers will call the signals. The 6-foot-3 freshman replaced Thompson-Robinson last week, completing 2 of 5 passes before throwing the loss-sealing interception with 48 seconds left.

UCLA is 2-0 as an underdog this season, beating LSU 38-27 at home as a +2½ underdog on Sept. 4 and winning at Washington 24-17 at +1½ on Oct. 16.

Even though the line is higher in this game, it will more than likely be a tougher cover – even if Thompson-Robinson is able to play. It doesn’t seem the total in the Las Vegas odds is high enough. Utah has scored at least 34 points in each of its last three games and has averaged 38½ in its last two in Salt Lake City.

Also, its last four games against a winning team have gone over. Garbers has the ability to rise to the occasion and help the Bruins do their share toward a high-scoring affair.

The over is 6-1 in UCLA’s last seven games against a team with a winning record. Something has to give as the Bruins are 3-0 on the road and the Utes 3-0 at home. It is hard to endorse UCLA in this spot, regardless of who runs the offense. There is little value in a moneyline bet on Utah as far as college football picks go.

Final Score: Utah Utes 42, UCLA Bruins 31