The UCLA Bruins aim to rebound as they head into a challenging road game against the LSU Tigers this Saturday. Here’s our preview, which includes a prediction, using the best college football odds from the top sportsbooks.
NCAAF Pick: Over 56.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
UCLA vs. LSU
Saturday, September 21, 2024 – 03:30 PM ET at Tiger Stadium
UCLA’s Rough Start
UCLA’s Big Ten debut was supposed to be a statement game under the national spotlight at the Rose Bowl. However, it was Indiana’s quarterback, Kurtis Rourke, who took center stage. Rourke put on a stellar performance, completing 25 of 33 passes for 307 yards and throwing four touchdowns. The Hoosiers, now 3-0, also added 123 rushing yards to complement their strong air attack.
Indiana wasted no time, jumping out to a 14-0 lead by the middle of the first quarter and never looked back, cruising to a 42-13 win and spoiling UCLA’s big night. The loss marks UCLA’s worst home opener since their 35-0 shutout by Stanford in 2010.
Bruins quarterback Ethan Garbers struggled, completing 14 of 23 passes with no touchdowns and one interception. On the other hand, Indiana spread the ball well, with Miles Cross, Elijah Sarratt, and Omar Cooper Jr. each topping 50 receiving yards. Indiana sealed the game with two late touchdowns—Rourke hit Cooper for a 23-yard score, and Elijah Green added a 14-yard rushing touchdown.
“Indiana came out and played a great game,” UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster said. “They came out and executed, played good. Offensively, we were not able to stay ahead of the chains like we would like to. Defensively, they played a pretty good first half, with the offense putting the defense in kind of bad situations. But it is a learning experience for both sides of the ball, and we have to continue to improve.”
LSU’s Narrow Escape
LSU had its own battle, overcoming a 17-0 deficit to edge South Carolina 36-33 at Williams-Brice Stadium. The Tigers rallied late, with Josh Williams breaking through the defense for the game-winning touchdown in the final minutes.
Despite the win, LSU’s performance had its share of missteps. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier threw for 285 yards and two touchdowns but also turned the ball over twice—once on a fumble and once on an interception. Special teams also stumbled, with a blocked punt and a failed extra point due to a poor snap.
South Carolina’s defense gave LSU trouble, including a goal-line stand that stopped the Tigers from scoring on a first-and-goal situation. Still, running back Caden Durham gave LSU a boost with 98 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries.
NCAAF Pick
This game could turn into a high-scoring affair. UCLA’s offense, despite recent struggles, has the potential to exploit LSU’s shaky defense, which has given up significant yardage in the early games. Meanwhile, LSU’s offense has shown flashes of explosiveness, particularly in their comeback win last Saturday. With both teams looking to outgun each other, expect a potential shootout on Saturday.
NCAAF Pick: Over 56.5 (-110) at Bet365
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