In this article, we will formulate an LSU vs UCLA prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, September 21st at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 4 matchup.
LSU Tigers Betting Preview
The LSU Tigers are 2-1 (1-0) this season after they defeated South Carolina by a score of 36-33 in their last game. LSU trailed 17-0 in the second quarter and 33-29 in the fourth, but they scored the game-winning touchdown with 1:12 left in the game for the win. The Tigers outgained South Carolina by a total of 417-398, won the turnover battle 3-2, and went 6-14 on third down in the game. Garrett Nussmeier threw for 285 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, while Caden Durham rushed for 98 yards and two scores.
LSU lost to USC by a score of 27-20 in their first game, but they did bounce back with a 44-21 win over Nicholls State in week two. The LSU offense has scored 33.3 points per game with 302.3 passing yards and 104.3 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 27 points per game this season. The Tigers have gone 41.7% on third down and 2-4 on fourth down so far this season. Garrett Nussmeier has completed 69.8% of his passes for 895 yards, 10 touchdowns, and two interceptions, while Aaron Anderson has caught 15 passes for 223 yards and one score.
UCLA Bruins Betting Preview
The UCLA Bruins are 1-1 (0-1) this year after they lost to Indiana by a score of 42-13 last week. UCLA trailed 21-7 at halftime and 21-10 in the third quarter, but they were outscored 21-3 to end the game with a blowout loss. The Bruins were outgained by a total of 430-238, lost the turnover battle 2-0, and went 2-8 on third down in the game. Ethan Garbers threw for 137 yards and one interception, while TJ Harden rushed for 48 yards and one score.
UCLA defeated Hawaii by a score of 16-13 in their first game, so it has not been a great start for the Bruins this season. The UCLA offense has scored 14.5 points per game with 207 passing yards and 83.5 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 27.5 points per game this season. The Bruins have gone 28.6% on third down and 1-1 on fourth down so far this season. Ethan Garbers has completed 54.1% of his passes for 409 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions, while Rico Flores Jr. has caught five passes for 133 yards and one score.
Why LSU will beat UCLA
- LSU has won each of its last 16 games against non-conference opponents at Tiger Stadium.
- UCLA has lost nine of its last 10 road games against AP-ranked teams.
- UCLA has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four games as an underdog against AP-ranked teams.
- LSU has covered the spread in six of its last seven games against non-conference opponents at Tiger Stadium.
- LSU has won the first quarter in each of its last 11 games against non-conference opponents at Tiger Stadium.
- LSU has won the first half in each of its last 16 games against non-conference opponents at Tiger Stadium.
Total Points Facts
- Thirteen of LSU’s last 14 games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
- Eight of UCLA’s last nine games as an underdog against AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- LSU ranks T14th among FBS teams for Q3 points per game this season (11.3).
- LSU ranks T118th among FBS teams for Q2 opponent points per game this season (11.3).
- UCLA ranks T132nd among FBS teams for Q1 points per game this season (0.0).
- UCLA ranks T131st among FBS teams for H1 points per game this season (3.5).
LSU vs UCLA Prediction
LSU comes into this game after a very close win against South Carolina on the road, and they should be able to beat up UCLA here. The Bruins have looked pretty rough in their first two games and they just lost by 29 points at home against Indiana. I know LSU dropped a close game in week one and struggled with Nicholls in week two, but I think last week’s win against South Carolina is going to do wonders for this team. The Tigers should have plenty of confidence coming into this game and I expect them to score 45+ points. Take LSU at home.