Photo by Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Stanford Cardinal (2-1) vs UCLA Bruins (2-1)
Game Info: Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 6:00 pm (Stanford Stadium)
Betting Odds: Stanford Cardinal +4.5 -- Over/Under: 58.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The 24th ranked UCLA Bruins will travel to Stanford Stadium to take on the Stanford Cardinal this Saturday night in College Football action.
The 24th ranked UCLA Bruins lost their 1st game of the season and dropped to 2-1 on the year after being defeated by the Fresno State Bulldogs, 40-37, this past Saturday. UCLA looked like they were going to go home with a victory after a 15-yard TD reception by Kyle Philips gave the Bruins a 37-33 lead with just :54 seconds left, however, Fresno State was able to pull off the upset after marching right down the field and getting the game-winning TD with just 14 seconds left in the 4th quarter. UCLA was outgained by Fresno State by a 569-395 margin and committed 2 turnovers in the loss. Leading the way for the Bruins was Dorian Thompson-Robinson who completed 14 of 24 passes for 278 yards & 3 TD’s while also rushing for 67 yards on 13 carries.
On the season, UCLA is averaging 40.3 ppg on 419.0 total yards per game (228.7 passing yds/g; 190.3 rushing yds/g). Offensively, UCLA has been led by QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson who has completed 55.0% of his passes for 668 yards, 7 TD, & 1 INT while also rushing for 88 yards on 29 carries. The top receiving threats for the Bruins have been Kyle Philips (11 rec, 174 yards, 3 TD), Greg Dulcich (4 rec, 132 yards, TD), Kam Brown (5 rec, 111 yards, TD), & Kazmeir Allen (4 rec, 92 yards, TD). Leading the way for the Bruins backfield has been the duo of Zach Charbonnet (23 att, 242 yards, 6 TD) & Brittain Brown (39 att, 197 yards, 2 TD).
Defensively, UCLA is allowing their opponents to average 25.7 ppg on 405.7 total yards per game (342.7 passing yds/g; 63.0 rushing yds/g).
The Stanford Cardinal won their 2nd straight game and improved to 2-1 on the season after defeating the Vanderbilt Commodores, 41-23, this past Saturday. Stanford scored 13 unanswered points to go into halftime with a 27-14 lead and was able to pull away early in the 2nd half after a 5-yard TD reception by Jay Symonds gave the Cardinal a 34-14 lead. Stanford outgained Vanderbilt by a 422-398 margin and won the turnover battle by a 1-0 margin in the victory. Leading the way for the Cardinal was Tanner McKee who completed 19 of 29 passes for 218 yards & 2 TD.
On the season, Stanford is averaging 30.0 ppg on 343.3 total yards per game (215.3 passing yds/g; 128.0 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Stanford has been led by QB Tanner McKee who has completed 71.4% of his passes for 570 yards & 5 TD’s. The top receiving threats for McKee and the Cardinal have been Brycen Tremayne (12 rec, 160 yards, 3 TD), John Humphreys (7 rec, 119 yards), & Elijah Higgins (12 rec, 106 yards, TD). The Cardinal backfield has been led by the duo of Nathaniel Peat (14 att, 169 yards, 2 TD) & Austin Jones (26 att, 118 yards; 7 rec, 93 yards).
Defensively, Stanford is allowing their opponents to average 25.0 ppg on 383.3 total yards per game (172.7 passing yds/g; 210.7 rushing yds/g).
The Bruins are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games overall, however, are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games as a road favorite. The Cardinal are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 conference games and 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games as a home underdog.
UCLA had a major letdown at home against Fresno State after a great win against LSU and despite their solid offensive, must be concerned with their secondary which comes into this game ranked 126th in passing defense. Stanford has rebounded with two nice wins since their opening season loss and has been looking decent on the offensive end with a balanced rushing & passing attack. These are two teams that don’t like each other and as I think this game is going to come down to a FG late, give me the home team and the points. Good Luck!
Brett’s Pick Stanford Cardinal +4.5
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
Mitch's Take...
