UCLA vs. Cincinnati Prediction
Will the Cincinnati Bearcats be able to pick up a big win at home when they welcome UCLA to town tonight at 7PM ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
133 UCLA vs. 134 Cincinnati
Thursday, August 29, 2019
7PM ET – Nippert Stadium
TV: ESPN
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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 57.5 points. The public betting currently has 51 percent going on Cincinnati as the home favorite. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NCAAF Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Cincinnati looking to build of big 2018
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. Cincy also posted a record of 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.
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. Kelley has been dealing with a knee issue, but is expected to play. Defensively, UCLA gave up 34.1 points and 444.9 yards per game. They struggled against both the run and the pass.
College Football Betting Trends
Cincinnati
The Bearcats are just 6-15 against the spread in their last 21 home games and 7-15 ATS in their last 22 non-conference games.
UCLA
The Bruins are just 6-13 against the spread in their last 19 road games and 2-10 ATS in their last 12 non-conference games.
Prediction:
If this game was in California, I would like UCLA to take this. With the Bruins going on the road, I think Cincinnati finds a way to win and cover. The Bearcats have a physical style of play that should be a problem for the Bruins. UCLA could be better in a second year under Chip Kelly, but I think this is a tough way to start the year. UCLA won’t be able to dominate the ground against the Bearcats. Cincinnati should slowly tire the UCLA defense as well to pull away late.
College Football Week 1 Prediction: Cincinnati -2.5
Related: UCLA vs. Cincinnati Total Prediction