UCLA Bruins (2-5) vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-3)
November 2, 2024 3:30 pm EDT
The Line: Nebraska Cornhuskers -7 / UCLA Bruins +7; Over/Under: +44.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The UCLA Bruins and the Nebraska Cornhuskers meet Saturday in college football action from Memorial Stadium Lincoln. Here’s a Nebraska vs UCLA prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Nebraska vs UCLA pick.
UCLA Bruins Betting Preview
The Bruins were able to beat Hawaii 16-13 in their opener but then hit a losing streak. UCLA would lose to Indiana, LSU, Oregon, Penn State, and Minnesota in some tough matchups before a victory versus Rutgers in their last outing.
Back on October 19 in the Rutgers game, the Bruins went into the second half with a 21-10 edge and held on for the win 35-32. Ethan Garbers threw for 383 yards and four scores while also leading the rush with nine carries for 48 yards and a TD.
Nebraska Cornhuskers Betting Preview
Over on the Nebraska side, they beat UTEP, Colorado, and Northern Iowa in their first three games before a 31-24 OT loss to Illinois. The Cornhuskers bounced back with wins over Purdue and Rutgers before another loss to Indiana in game seven.
Last weekend versus Ohio State, the Cornhuskers outscored the Buckeyes 11-7 in the second half but still lost a tough one 21-17. Dylan Raiola threw for 152 yards and an interception. Dante Dowdell led the rush with 14 carries for 60 yards and a touchdown.
Why the Nebraska Cornhuskers will win
- Nebraska has won eight of its last nine home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- UCLA has lost five of its last six games.
- Nebraska has covered the spread in four of its last five games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- UCLA has failed to cover the spread in three of its last four games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Why the UCLA Bruins will win
- Nebraska has lost each of its last seven home games in November.
- UCLA has won four of its last five road games in November.
- UCLA has covered the spread in each of its last four games as a road underdog.
- Nebraska has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four November games as a favorite.
Total Points Facts
- Each of UCLA’s last six November games against non-AP-ranked teams has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Seven of Nebraska’s last eight home games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
Nebraska vs UCLA Prediction
I’m staying with Nebraska. The Cornhuskers were able to keep Ohio State in check for most of the game last weekend, giving up 285 yards (221 passing), 11 first downs, and 1-of-10 on third-down tries. The offense couldn’t quite dig its teeth in though, notching 273 yards (152 passing), 4.1 yards per play, and 5-of-16 on third-down conversions. That makes 17 or fewer points in three straight games; Nebraska has to get it moving this weekend.
As for UCLA, they had quite the shootout versus Rutgers in their last outing. The Bruins posted 478 yards (383 passing) with 6.9 yards per play and 24 first downs. On defense, UCLA gave up 422 yards (287 passing) and 7.2 yards per play but it was good enough to hang on for the much-needed win. This is going to be another tricky matchup for the Bruins and I don’t think they’ll quite get into cover territory if the Cornhuskers play to their capabilities at home.
