The Line – Last Updated on December 22, 2022 3:08 pm
Free Week 8 Prediction: Utes vs Bruins Odds
Looking for Utah Utes vs. UCLA Bruins free picks? Week 8 College football betting sees the Utes taking on the Bruins Saturday October 22nd at The Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Cappers Picks provides complimentary handicapping picks all NCAA football season long so stay tuned for more FREE college football predictions.
Week 8
(6-1) Utah Utes vs. UCLA Bruins (3-4)
Date: Saturday, September 3rd
Time: 1:00 pm EST
Venue: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
NCAA Football Spread: UCLA -7
NCAA Betting Total: 46
Live CFB Odds
Updated Sportsbook Bonuses For TodayClick here to view… CFB ATS Stats & Expert NCAAF Betting Insight!
For the second consecutive week, UCLA QB Josh Rosen’s playing status dominates the spotlight ahead of a competitive Pac-12 showdown.
As of this writing, UCLA Head Coach Jim Mora is mum on whether his star Sophomore will start vs. dangerous Utah. Saturday, sans Rosen, UCLA was edged 27-21 by rival Washington State.
[dfads params=’groups=220&limit=1&return_javascript=1′]
Following last season’s 17-9 setback to UCLA, Pac-12 South leading Utah enters the fabled Rose Bowl bent on retribution.
Overall, the #19 Utes are 6-1 on the year, though they have yet to face a ranked foe. This matchup is certainly intriguing, as this season UCLA has outperformed Utah vs. mutual opponents.
Utah Utes
Opposite spoiler Oregon State, the Utes clung to a tenuous 19-14 victory.
As Utah’s passing game was non-existent, the team utilized a staunch running attack. This ground assault was led by Joe Williams’ career performance.
Williams, a senior, carried the ball 34 times for a season-high 179 yards. Conversely, QB Troy Williams struggled all afternoon, completing just 4-of-13 passes.
Check out the free College football picks from Cappers Picks experts today!
Williams’ poor outing highlights Utah’s greatest area of concern vs. UCLA.
Overall, the Bruins rank 28th in FBS passing defense (198 ypg), while also adequately containing the run (198 ypg, 50th FBS). With these factors in play, Kyle Whittingham’s Utes face an underrated challenger Saturday.
UCLA Bruins
The Bruins’ odds of victory increase exponentially if a healthy Josh Rosen takes the field. However, UCLA isn’t hapless with backup Mike Fafaul.
In a hard-fought loss to Washington State, Fafaul connected on 24-of-40 attempts for 258 yds and three touchdowns: certainly a positive sign for the Bruins.
Unfortunately, the Senior QB threw two costly interceptions. Against a vaunted Utah defense, there will be no such margin for error.
[dfads params=’groups=219&limit=1&return_javascript=1′]
It’s no secret UCLA’s running game is a non-factor, therefore an already potent Utah pass defense can hone in on whomever takes snaps for the Bruins.
In a struggle of quality defenses, UCLA’s chances of success hinges ultimately upon limiting turnovers, and completing long passes.
NCAA Football Handicapping Trends
- Utah is 8-1 SU in its last nine games.
- UCLA is 3-6 SU in its last nine games.
- Utah is 10-5 ATS in its last 15 road games.
Free Week 8 NCAA Football Prediction
Though Utah’s record and ranking are superior to UCLA’s, a number of mitigating factors tilt in the Bruins’ favor.
The most important being home-field advantage. In addition, UCLA holds a five point greater margin of victory against the teams’ 2016 mutual opponents.
The winner of Utah vs. UCLA will be determined by which unit best utilizes their offensive strength.
4* Free NCAA Betting Pick: Utah -3 & OVER
Indubitably, UCLA is a passing team, whereas Utah prefers to run. As stated, both defenses are sound. Emboldened by their contingency, the Bruins will find the reserve to prevail in a thrilling contest.
Week 8 Free Score Prediction: Utah Utes 24 – UCLA 27
If you’re looking for more picks like this Utah Utes vs. UCLA Bruins matchup we’ll be providing 4* free College football predictions on the blog all season long, and check out our Experts for guaranteed premium & free CFB Football picks!
CappersPicks.com has College football odds up on a ton of futures, and you will also find NCAA football lines up for early games as well.