UCLA vs. Cincinnati Total Pick
Can UCLA go on the road and put up a defensive fight when the Bruins take on Cincinnati Thursday night at 7PM ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
133 UCLA vs. 134 Cincinnati
Thursday, August 29, 2019
7PM ET – Nippert Stadium
TV: ESPN
Public Betting Trends
According to the latest oddsmakers, Cincinnati is the slight favorite at home in this game, as the Bearcats are getting odds of -2.5 points against UCLA. The over/under total is currently listed at 60 points. The public betting currently has 52 percent going on UCLA as the underdog.
UCLA hoping to rebound
The UCLA Bruins had a rough 2018 season, going just 3-9 overall in Chip Kelly’s first year as head coach. They were 3-6 in the Pac-12. When it comes to betting, UCLA was 5-6-1 against the spread and 7-5 with the over.
UCLA returns 14 starters from last year’s team, including six on an offense that averaged just 24.6 points and 392.6 yards per game. Joshua Kelley is a talented running back that returns to lead the offense. He rushed for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns while Dorian Thompson-Robinson threw for 1,311 yards and seven touchdowns in limited action. Defensively, UCLA gave up 34.1 points and 444.9 yards per game. They struggled against both the run and the pass.
Bearcats hoping to make a splash
Cincinnati is coming off a strong 11-2 record last year, the second under coach Luke Fickell. The Bearcats were 6-2 in the AAC, finishing second in the East Division. At the betting window, Cincy was 7-6 against the spread in 2018 while going 7-6 with the under.
The Bearcats had a strong defense in 2018, allowing just 17.2 points and 303.5 yards per game. Their rush defense ranked 13th nationally, giving up just 113 yards per game. Offensively, Cincinnati put up 34.9 points and 458.5 yards per game. Their rushing attack averaged 239.5 yards per game. Michael Warren II is back to lead the offense after rushing for 1,329 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2018. Quarterback Desmond Ridder is also back to run the offense. He threw for 2,445 yards and 20 touchdowns last year with just five interceptions.
College Football Betting Trends
UCLA
The Bruins have hit the over in five of their last seven non-conference games and in four of their last five games on fieldturf.
Cincinnati
Cincinnati has hit the over in five of its last six home games, but is 16-5 with the under in its last 21 Thursday games.
Prediction:
This should be a great battle of two strong rushing attacks, but the question will be if UCLA can get defensive stops. I think Cincinnati will be able to contain the Bruins somewhat, but UCLA didn’t show much ability to stop good offenses last year. These two met last year at UCLA and the Bearcats earned a 26-17 win, going well under the 62-point total. While UCLA is in its second year under Kelly, this is a tough road opener and I think the offense will struggle with the Bearcats physicality. That should keep the score low once again.
College Football Week 1 Prediction: UCLA/Cincinnati Under 60