UCLA Bruins at Washington State Cougars Pick 9/21/19

UCLA Bruins (0-3 SU, 0-3 ATS) at No. 19 Washington State Cougars (3-0 SU, 1-2 ATS) College Football Week 4 Date and Time: Saturday, September 21, 2019, 10:30 PM EST Where: Martin Stadium Pullman, WA. TV: ESPN, DTV: 206

Point Spread: UCLA +18.5 /WSU -18.5 (GTBets) Over/Under Total: 56.5

Power Ratings: WSU by 23

Washington State Passes First Test—Begin Conference Play

No. 19 Washington State took a deep breath last weekend at Houston as they beat the “other” Cougars 31-24 in a tough road win. WSU failed to cover the 9.5 points, and the total went way under the 74 most books were posting. This week WSU looks to remain unbeaten at home against a struggling UCLA program.

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UCLA, Young, and the Restless…

UCLA Head Coach Chip Kelly has won just 3 of 15 games so far as the team continues to try and establish its identity. Perhaps the best bet in this game will be if UCLA can score more than 14 points total? The Bruins have scored just 14 points in each of their three contests so far this season. UCLA has 63 freshmen on the roster, and it definitely shows on the field—a lot of growing pains on both sides of the ball. UCLA ranks 127 out of 130 in points scored per game. The Bruins are nearly last in the country in total yards per game (129th) at just 263 yards per game. But more troubling for the Bruins is their defensive efforts—they have been dismal. UCLA defense gives up 467 yards per game.

How the Public is Betting the Game

The public is currently betting WSU 74 percent and UCLA 26 percent. The Over/Under percentage is presently 78 percent OVER and 22 percent UNDER.

Injury Concerns

UCLA: LB K. Barnes, out with knee injury—status unknown WR J. Erwin, wrist injury–questionable WSU: WR J. Calvin, foot injury—status unknown.

When Washington State has the ball

The Cougars are incredibly efficient when they get rolling. Expect much of the same from this high-flying air-raid offense that currently leads the nation in total passing yards per game. WSU is the more experienced, more athletic, and overall talented team. QB Anthony Gordon has done a great job leading the Cougs offense, and his numbers show it—12 TDs and over 1200 yards passing. The running game of Max Borghi has added another aspect to the Cougs offensive attack. Borghi continues to be a rushing threat thanks to the O-line giving him room to work. Washington State will only get better as the season goes on.

When UCLA has the ball

Well, when the Bruins have the football, not a lot happens. Sorry, but not much to write home about here, UCLA’s head coach Chip Kelly has been trying whatever he can to put his players in a position to compete, but it hasn’t happened yet.

Why Bet the Cougars to Cover the Points!

Washington State is simply the stronger team in this contest; on paper and on the field. The Coug’s high-powered offense is averaging 49 points per game to UCLA’s 14 points per game. WSU’s defense has improved a ton just from last week. They will shut the Bruins down. QB Anthony Gordon has his choice of targets, and he completes 79 percent of his throws. The Cougars run away in this game!