LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southern California, Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Steve Marcus) Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Week 4 of the college football season features plenty of unique matchups, largely thanks to the new-look Big Ten and Oklahoma making its SEC debut by hosting Tennessee.
It’s a new era of college football, indeed. A non-conference battle between UCLA (1-1) and LSU (2-1) on Saturday is flying under the radar regarding random matchups. This is the second meeting of a home-and-home series, with the Bruins recording a 38-27 win in 2021.
UCLA vs. LSU odds, pick, prediction But with UCLA officially in a new league, Saturday’s contest marks the first time a Big Ten team has visited Tiger Stadium since 1987 when LSU and Ohio State recorded a 13-13 draw. None of that reflects what will unfold this weekend, of course.
LSU is expected to roll as a 23.5-point favorite with an over/under of 56.5.
Let's dive into the odds for the highly anticipated clash: UCLA Bruins (1-1) vs. LSU Tigers (2-1) Time/TV: 2:30 p.m.
CT (ESPN) Spread (via BetMGM): LSU -23.5 Total: 56.5 Moneyline: LSU -2500, UCLA +1100 Analysis: It’s always interesting to see how much has changed compared to the look-ahead markets available in the summer.
In June, Caesars had LSU trading as a 17.5-point favorite in this game. The spread opened back up at 22 earlier this week and reached 25.
5. However, it seems the market has settled around 23.5 and 24 for the difference between these two teams.
The Tigers haven’t covered a spread since Nov. 25 of last year, beginning 0-3 ATS this season. They won by three points as touchdown favorites against South Carolina last weekend.
In last week’s win over the Gamecocks, the Tigers got their ground game going a bit. They ran for 132 yards on 32 attempts, led by 98 yards from Caden Durham. That bodes well for an LSU offense that had leaned on quarterback Garrett Nussmeier too much in the opening weeks.
With a more complete offense, LSU should have no problem putting up points against UCLA’s defense. But the Tigers’ defense continues to struggle. They have surrendered 21 or more points in all three games, including 33 last week to South Carolina.
That’s why the over has cashed in back-to-back games. That’s where I’m going for my favorite bet in this matchup. Prediction: LSU 42, UCLA 20 (Over 56.
5) Best bet: UCLA-LSU OVER 56 points (-112 at DraftKings Sportsbook).
