Free NCAA Football Prediction: Tigers vs. Bruins Odds
Looking for LSU Tigers vs. UCLA Bruins free picks? College football betting sees the Tigers taking on the Bruins on Saturday, September 4th at Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA. Cappers Picks provides complimentary handicapping picks all NCAA football season long so stay tuned for more FREE college football game Week 1 predictions like this LSU UCLA free pick.
College Football Handicapping Analysis: Week 1
LSU Tigers vs. UCLA Bruins
Date: Saturday, August 28th, 2021
Time: 8:30 pm EST
Venue: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
NCAA Football ATS Spread Odds: Tigers -3, Bruins +3
NCAA Football Moneyline Odds: LSU -150 | UCLA +130
NCAA Betting Total Odds: O/U 65
#13 LSU will travel cross country to take on the UCLA Bruins Saturday night inside the iconic Rose Bowl.
UCLA already has the rust of the offseason shaken off as they played in Week 0 against Hawaii. It was an absolute blowout from the start, as they have some momentum coming into play on Saturday.
LSU will have their work cut out for them this season in the SEC, but these are the kinds of games you have to win if you want to find yourself in the BCS Playoff discussion.
LSU Tigers
After winning the National Championship with Joe Burrow two years ago, things took a drastic turn last season for the Tigers. They finished just 5-5, which included a loss to Mississippi State at home to start the campaign in 2020. They hope to get off to a better start here as they have the experience now after last season.
Head coach Ed Orgeron will be entering his 5th season with the Tigers and already has some issues to deal with heading into Week 1.
The Tigers Myles Brennan broke a bone in his arm in preseason camp, which will give way to sophomore Max Johnson at the QB spot. Combined with that, LSU also has their top 2 running backs, with the most experience, both battling injuries. Running backs Tyrion Davis-Price and John Emery Jr. both have missed a majority of the preseason. Both remain to be seen if they will get some snaps here on Saturday night.
The Tigers have been a nice backing in non conference games. They enter Saturday a solid 6-1 ATS in their last 7 non conference matchups.
UCLA Bruins
The Bruins eased their way to a 44-10 win over Hawaii last week as they used that as a tuneup for this one with LSU. As a 17.5 point favorite, a lot of backers favored the Rainbow Warriors only to see UCLA get out early and keep their foot on the gas.
RB Zach Charbonnet carried the load as he racked up 106 yards in the opener. Overall, the Bruins rumbled for 244 yards on the ground as they were able to get a big push up front. That will be the key early on here as they love to run through the trenches and utilize a variety of running options.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson will be asked to do much more though than he did last week. He threw for just 130 yards and a touchdown, as they really didn’t want to open the playbook and show off too much.
Expect him to get the call a lot more Saturday as they will have to find some room down field if they want to open up this LSU defense.
The Bruins are just the opposite in non conference games even with their win and over last week. The Bruins are just 5-16-1 ATS in their last 22 non-conference games overall.
Getting into short yardage third down situations is key for this Bruins team.
NCAA Football Handicapping Trends
- Bruins are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
- Bruins are 6-14-2 ATS in their last 22 games following a straight up win.
- Bruins are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
- Tigers are 17-5 ATS in their last 22 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
- Tigers are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 road games.
- Tigers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games as a road favorite.
Free Week 1 NCAA Football Pick
This has the makings for a solid game all around.
You’re not sure what LSU will bring to the table, but they love to open the playbook. As for UCLA, with a game under their belts already, they will open things themselves more with the pass game.
4* Free Week 1 NCAA Betting Pick: LSU -3
Still, the Bruins attack may just be a bit too weak for this LSU team. Overall, LSU has the experience and ability to pick up big chunks of yards. Expect them to stack the box defensively and put this Bruins offense into some 3rd down and longs.
If you’re looking for more picks like this LSU Tigers vs. UCLA Bruins matchup we’ll be providing 4* free College football game predictions on the blog all season long, and check out our Experts for guaranteed premium & free CFB Football picks!
Register here for a FREE NCAA Football Betting Account Now for Daily Free Picks & More Special Offers!