College football is officially back, and we’ll head out west for a free UCLA vs. Utah prediction. The Bruins and the Utes will lock up Saturday in the Rose Bowl, and this figures to be a good acid test for both former Pac-12 stalwarts.
As of this writing (about 2 pm Pacific time on Friday), Utah is a 5.5-point favorite. I lean to UCLA covering that spread, but my stronger play has to do with the total, which started at 48.5 and has risen to 51.5 at some sportsbooks.
UCLA is led by quarterback Nico Iamaleava, whose exit from Tennessee was a messy one. While he was there, he played reasonably well and took care of the ball, but he wasn’t what any neutral observer would call “electric,” and his late-season clunkers against Georgia and Ohio State stick out like sore thumbs. Furthermore, the injury report shows several potential targets in danger of missing the season opener, which cannot possibly help him.
Meanwhile, Utah will look to Devon Dampier, a dual-threat transfer from New Mexico. He ran for more than 1,100 yards last season in the Mountain West, and his ability to make plays with his feet may extend a few drives. However, he had accuracy issues, completing less than 58% of his passes and throwing 12 interceptions against just 12 touchdowns. He goes up against tougher competition, and his success is no guarantee.
I don’t think we’re likely to see a defensive struggle or anything, but this hits me as a 24-20 type of game. With that in mind, I want the under Saturday night in SoCal.
