Rutgers (4-2) vs UCLA (1-5)
Game Info: Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 12:00 pm (SHI Stadium)
The Line: Betting Odds: Rutgers -6.5 / UCLA +6.5 — Over/Under: 40.5
The UCLA Bruins and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights meet Saturday in college football action from the SHI Stadium. Here’s a UCLA vs Rutgers prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best UCLA vs Rutgers pick. We will examine:
The UCLA Bruins’ recent form and player performance
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights’ recent form and player performance
Recent betting trends and streaks involving the UCLA Bruins
Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Recent betting trends in games played between UCLA and Rutgers
A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for the UCLA vs Rutgers game
UCLA Bruins Betting Preview
UCLA’s season got off to a good start with a 16-13 opener road win over Hawaii. The Bruins would hit the skids in their next four games though, taking losses to a tough string of teams in Indiana (42-13), LSU (34-17), Oregon (34-13), and Penn State (27-11).
Last weekend versus Minnesota, the Bruins held a 10-0 lead by the break but ultimately lost 21-17 after a rough second half. QB Ethan Garbers threw for 293 yards, one TD, and three interceptions. J. Michael Sturdivant led the receivers on 107 yards and a TD from seven catches.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Preview
Over on the Rutgers side, they were able to win their first four games of the season. The Knights took out Howard 44-7, Akron 49-17, Virginia Tech 26-23, and Washington 21-18 before a tough loss to Nebraska 14-7 for their first blemish.
In their matchup versus Wisconsin, the Knights gave up 14 points in three different quarters during a 42-7 blowout loss. QB Athan Kaliakmanis had 103 yards and an interception, while lead rusher Kyle Monangai had 72 yards and a score off 19 carries.
Why the Rutgers Scarlet Knights will win
- UCLA has lost each of its last five games.
- The favorite has won 28 of Rutgers’ last 30 games.
- UCLA has failed to cover the spread in each of its last three games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Rutgers has covered the spread in nine of its last 12 games as a favorite.
Why the UCLA Bruins will win
- Rutgers has lost 26 of its last 30 games against conference opponents at SHI Stadium.
- UCLA has won five of its last six October road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Rutgers has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six October games as a home favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
- UCLA has covered the spread in five of its last six October games as a road underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
Total Points Facts
- Each of UCLA’s last four games as an underdog has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Five of Rutgers’ last six October games as a home favorite have gone OVER the total points line.
UCLA vs Rutgers Prediction
I’m staying with UCLA. The Bruins need a good bounce-back effort here after a rough second half versus Minnesota. UCLA ended up with three turnovers and 10 penalties in the defeat but didn’t do too badly on defense. The Bruins held the Gophers to 234 yards (193 passing) and 19 first downs total.
As for Rutgers, they couldn’t do much against Wisconsin in their last outing. The Knights gained just 271 yards (103 passing), 4.0 yards per play, and 13 first downs. Rutgers also surrendered 309 rush yards (549 total) and 7.3 yards per play on defense. I could see the Knights gathering themselves and playing well (or at least better) here, but I don’t think they’re going to cover.