The UCLA Bruins and the San Diego State Aztecs meet Saturday in college football action from Snapdragon Stadium. UCLA took on Coastal Carolina in their first game of the year. The Bruins went on to win by two scores. As for San Diego State, they’re coming off a matchup against Idaho State. In that one the Aztecs powered out an eight-point victory. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

UCLA Bruins 

UCLA took on Coastal Carolina in their first game of the year. The Bruins were up just 14-13 heading into the final quarter but put the clamps down from there in a 27-13 win. QBs Ethan Garbers and Dante Moore combined for 264 yards, three scores and three picks, while TJ Harden led the rush on 76 yards from 11 carries.

The Bruins had a few mistakes on both sides of the ball during their first game, but fortunately everything worked out. UCLA gave up 289 passing yards and 21 first downs on defense. That said, they also came up with three turnovers. Offensively the Bruins had 417 total yards (153 rushing) but also had three picks and eight penalties. 

UCLA Bruins Team Facts

UCLA has won each of its last seven games in September.
UCLA has failed to cover the spread in each of its last five games.
UCLA has won the first quarter in three of its last four games against non-conference opponents.
UCLA has won the first half in four of its last five games against non-conference opponents.
Five of UCLA’s last six road games have gone OVER the total points line.

San Diego State Aztecs 

Over on the San Diego State side, they’ve got two games in the books already. The first was an opener matchup versus Ohio on August 26. The Aztecs went into the final quarter with a 10-6 lead and were able to power out the victory 20-13. QB Jalen Mayden managed 164 yards and two scores, both to Mark Redman (who had 62 yards and five catches total). 

In game two versus Idaho State, San Diego State went into the final quarter up 29-13. The Aztecs had to hold their breath in the fourth after a Bengals comeback but still won 36-28. Mayden threw for 87 yards and also led the rush with 132 yards and two touchdowns from eight carries. 

San Diego State Aztecs Team Facts

San Diego State has won four of its last five September games as a home underdog.
San Diego State has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six games in September.
San Diego State has won the first half in each of its last four games against non-conference opponents.
Each of San Diego State’s last three home games against opponents from the Pac-12 Conference have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

San Diego State ranked T7th among FBS teams for H1 win percentage last season (.769).
San Diego State ranked 13th among FBS teams for H1 points allowed per game last season (8.7).
UCLA ranked 7th among FBS teams for H1 points per game last season (20.5).
UCLA ranked 8th among FBS teams for points per game last season (39.2).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I might try the Aztecs in this one. Probably not touching it, though. San Diego State came out of the gate pretty well against Ohio, despite some rough numbers on offense. The Aztecs posted a tepid 309 total yards and didn’t hold the ball long (27:23). San Diego State came up with just 15 first downs and a 4-of-13 run on third-down tries as well. Still, the defense posted three picks and played well enough to keep the team on top most of the way. In game two the Aztecs had a very sloppy day with 14 penalties (138 yards) and three turnovers. The passing game was meager (87 yards) but the 302-yard rushing day more than made up for it. San Diego State really needs to fix their mistakes from last weekend but I think they’re capable of covering if all goes well.