UCLA Faces Tough Test at LSU: Betting Predictions and Analysis

UCLA Bruins (1-1 SU, ATS 0-2) vs LSU Tigers (2-1 SU, ATS 0-2)

Date: 3:30 EST Saturday, September 21st

Location: Tiger Stadium (LA), Baton Rouge, LA

TV: ABC

Point Spread: UCLA +24.5/LSU -24.5

Money Line: University of California Los Angeles +1208/Louisiana State -3197

Over/Under: 55.5

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LSU is the heavy favorite in this week four non-conference matchup against UCLA, with the point spread set at -24.5. The game is scheduled for 3:30 ET at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, and ABC will be handling the television broadcast. The over/under line is currently at 55.5 points. The Tigers enter the game with a 2-1 record, while UCLA is 1-1 on the season.

Head-to-Head Matchup:

The UCLA Bruins and LSU Tigers did not have any head-to-head matchups last season. But over the last three times playing each other, the UCLA Bruins have a record of 2-1. Against the spread, each team went 0-3 and finished with an over/under mark of 2-1. These games averaged a combined 54 points per contest.

UCLA Bruins Recent Form:

UCLA is looking to bounce back after a 42-13 loss to Indiana in their most recent game. The Bruins, who were +3.5 point underdogs, not only lost straight-up but also failed to cover the spread. This game was a big ten matchup, and the combined score of 55 points surpassed the over/under line of 47 points. UCLA is now 1-1 for the season.

After falling behind 14-0 in the first quarter, the Bruins managed to score in the second quarter, making it 14-7 at the half. UCLA added a field goal in the third quarter, but Indiana extended their lead to 28-10. The Bruins were outscored 14-3 in the fourth quarter.

UCLA’s offense, led by quarterback Ethan Garbers, managed to pick up 238 total yards in their most recent game. Garbers threw for 137 yards, completing 60.9% of his passes, but he failed to record a touchdown and threw one interception. T.J. Harden was the top receiver, with four receptions for 41 yards.

The Bruins’ offense moved the chains 16 times but struggled to establish a run game, finishing with just 96 yards on the ground. T.J. Harden led the team in rushing with 48 yards on 12 carries and added a rushing touchdown.

UCLA’s defense will need to regroup after giving up 307 passing yards and 123 rushing yards to Indiana in their last game. The Bruins allowed a total of 430 yards and 42 points, with Indiana converting 25 of 33 pass attempts for four touchdowns. UCLA’s defense will need to regroup after giving up 307 passing yards and 123 rushing yards to Indiana in their last game. The Bruins allowed a total of 430 yards and 42 points, with Indiana converting 25 of 33 pass attempts for four touchdowns.

Away Injury Report

LSU Tigers Recent Form:

LSU is now 2-1 for the season after their 36-33 road win over South Carolina. The Tigers were -6.5 point favorites but ended up winning by just three points, failing to cover the spread. The over/under line was set at 48.5 points, which the teams surpassed, finishing with a combined 69 points.

LSU was down 24-16 at halftime but managed to pull within two points by the end of the third quarter. In the fourth, the Tigers outscored South Carolina 14-9 to come out on top.

LSU’s offense, led by quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, put up 418 yards of total offense in their 36-33 win over South Carolina. Nussmeier threw for 285 yards and two touchdowns, completing 60% of his passes. His top target, Aaron Anderson, caught five passes for 96 yards.

The Tigers’ offense picked up 26 first downs, with their ground game contributing 133 yards and three touchdowns. Caden Durham was the leading rusher, gaining 98 yards on 11 carries and scoring two rushing touchdowns.

LSU’s defense will be looking to shore up their run defense after allowing 243 rushing yards and four touchdowns to South Carolina. The Tigers’ defense gave up 398 total yards but managed to limit the Gamecocks to 155 passing yards on 11 completions. Despite their struggles against the run, LSU’s defense did come up with one interception in the game.

Home Injury Report

Betting Trends

• Across their ten previous road games, UCLA has an ATS mark of 5-5. Their straight up record in these matchups was 7-3 while averaging 29 points per game.
• Through their last three home contests, the LSU Tigers offense has averaged 28 points per game while allowing an average of 34. LSU posted an overall record of 1-2 while going 0-3 ATS.
• Going back to their previous five games as the underdog, UCLA has an ATS mark of 1-4 while going 1-4 straight up.
• Although the LSU Tigers have a strong straight up record in their last three games as the betting favorite, they have not done as well vs the spread going 0-3.

Free Pick

Don’t get scared off by the big number in this UCLA and LSU matchup, the Tigers are going to run away with this one and cover the spread. LSU has one of the best offenses in the country, and there is no way that UCLA is going to be able to hang around. Even at -24.5, I feel good about taking LSU on the spread.