The 6-1 UCLA Bruins host the 3-4 Stanford Cardinal in a Pac-12 Conference showdown at the Rose Bowl on Saturday night. Even though the overall records for these teams aren’t close entering Week 9, you can throw the records out when these teams meet up.
There are plenty of options to look at when making Stanford vs UCLA best bets for this Pac-12 Conference showdown. Here is a look at some of the top NCAAF picks to make from this game.
Stanford Cardinal vs. UCLA Bruins
Stanford Cardinal Current Odds
The Stanford Cardinals are coming into this game as 16.5-point underdogs, and that is a role that they are used to this season. The Stanford football odds on the moneyline are at +550, which would make it a nice payout if that bet hits.
UCLA Bruins Current Odds
UCLA is coming into this game as the big favorites at the spread are set at 16.5 points. The moneyline odds for UCLA are set at -800, which doesn’t provide any real betting value.
Stanford Cardinals Strengths and Weakness
Stanford does come into this game having won two straight games, and that includes a big upset win over Notre Dame. The Cardinal are scoring just 25 points per game while allowing 27 points per contest on the year.
Stanford has racked up just 124 rushing yards per game this season while allowing over 187 yards per game on the ground. This is something that will need to be cleaned up if the Cardinals are going to win this matchup.
UCLA Bruins Strengths and Weakness
There are a number of things to like when making UCLA football picks, including the fact that this team scores 40 points per game. UCLA is allowing nearly 26 points per night, but that offense has been able to overwhelm anyone.
Stanford Cardinal Strengths and Weakness
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson is having a massive year for the Bruins, as he has thrown for 17 touchdowns and just three interceptions. UCLA will need a better defensive effort in this game, but they aren’t facing a great offense at Stanford.
Team Season Forecast
Season Forecast for Stanford Cardinal
It’s been a rough start to the year for the Stanford Cardinals, as they are just 3-4 overall. Stanford could still find a way to become bowl eligible, but they are going to have to pull off some upsets along the way.
This is not a team that is going to contend for the Pac-12 Conference title, but they will have a shot to play the role of spoiler throughout the rest of the year.
Season Forecast for UCLA Bruins
The NCAAF odds still give the Bruins a good shot to win the Pac-12 Conference this season, but they are going to need some help. Even if they aren’t able to come out on top, this should still be a season that ends up in a pretty good bowl game.
UCLA is coming into this game as the 12th-ranked team in the country, and they could get back into the Top 10 if they are able to pick up a win in this one.
What to Expect from this Matchup?
Looking at the past performances of both teams can help make Stanford vs UCLA best bets, but you also have to look closely at the stats. UCLA is scoring close to 40 points per game this season, while Stanford is giving up 27 points per game.
Since this is a rivalry game, you can expect Stanford to play well to begin the night. UCLA is going to respond, though, and this game still means a ton to the Bruins.
Eventually, UCLA is just going to overwhelm Stanford with its offensive attack, and the Bruins are going to stay alive in the Pac-12 Conference race.
Stanford Cardinal vs. UCLA Bruins Prediction and Best Bets
There are a number of different ways to go when making Stanford vs UCLA best bets, but two options really stand out in this game. UCLA is going to run away from Stanford late in this one, and they will cover the 16.5-point spread.
The second best option to look at is the over/under, and these two teams are going to combine to score under 66.5 total points.
NCAAF Pick: UCLA Bruins -16.5
NCAAF Pick: Under 66.5 Points
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