Saturday, November 7 · Noon ET · Huntington Bank Stadium
What the spread Says
The pick sits on a key number – 6 –, and it is in a game with an undefeated team on the road.
UCLA visits Minnesota in a game that kicks at noon Eastern, which would be 9 a.m. bodyclock-wise for the Bruins.
Talk about a gift. A Minnesota team that has gotten better in splitting games over the last two weeks against ranked teams Iowa and Indiana is getting almost a touchdown against UCLA.
What the Team Totals Reveal
The total when it comes to Week 10 college football odds is 39½ points. That centers on UCLA playing excellent defense in running its record to 8-0. The Golden Gophers, meanwhile, have allowed 164 points in eight games … but … and it is a big but: 41 came in a drubbing by Purdue.
This one feels like a defensive battle, and college football lines reflect that.
The total for the teams reflects a game where teams are more dependent on defense than offense. UCLA is playing its third-string quarterback, Ty Dieffenbach. He has thrown 100 passes and completed 59. The ground game is where the Bruins will thrive.
Minnesota, meanwhile, goes to the air more than the ground, but its quarterback has thrown for only 1,592 yards with 10 TDs and 5 interceptions.
Running on the Bruins is a tough task, so this game has a team that needs to go to the air against a strong pass defense and rush. That’s why the spread is six points, and the total is so low.
Reading the Total
The number is low, low, low. College games tend to run between the high 30s and the 70s. This ticks the top of the high 30s. The number is looking at a 23-17 game, if the Bruins are the ones to win. That would be a push.
However, Minnesota’s defense should be able to corral Dieffenbach. The game time plays in the favor of the Golden Gophers. This sets up an interesting day.
Halves and Quarters
Look for both teams to have some trouble moving the football. Points could be hard to come by and it would be no surprise if more field goals are scored than touchdowns. Do not look for explosive plays and a lot of scoring.
Pick
This one feels like a sleepy game on the board. UCLA is undefeated; Minnesota has three losses. Don’t fall for it. The Gophers have a big chance to hand Bruins coach Bob Chesney his first loss.
- Pick: Minnesota +6 points, moneyline.
