The Colorado Buffaloes and the UCLA Bruins meet Saturday in college football action from the Rose Bowl. Colorado is currently 4-3 overall and coming off an open week. The Buffaloes last appeared in an overtime loss versus Stanford. As for UCLA, they played the Cardinal in their last matchup over the weekend. The Bruins improved to 5-2 overall with a blowout win in that one. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.
Colorado Buffaloes
The Buffaloes have certainly had their ups and downs so far this year. After opening up with three straight wins over TCU 45-42, Nebraska 36-14 and Colorado State 43-35 (OT), Colorado took consecutive losses to Oregon 42-6 and USC 48-41. The Buffaloes would rebound with a 27-24 win versus Arizona State, but then lost 46-43 in overtime to Stanford in their last outing.
Back on October 13 versus the Cardinal, Colorado jumped out to a commanding 29-0 lead at the break. The Buffaloes went cold in the second on a 36-7 deficit and eventually lost 46-43 in overtime. QB Shedeur Sanders posted 400 pass yards with five scores and an interception, while Travis Hunter (13 receptions; 140 yards; two TDs) and Xavier Weaver (seven receptions; 124 yards; two TDs) paced the receivers.
Colorado Buffaloes Team Facts
- Colorado has lost each of its last nine October games as a road underdog.
- Colorado has failed to cover the spread in each of its last six road games against conference opponents.
- Colorado has lost the first half in each of its last seven road games against conference opponents.
- Seven of Colorado’s last eight games as a road underdog have gone OVER the total points line.
UCLA Bruins
Over on the UCLA side, they similarly opened with three consecutive wins this year over Coastal Carolina 27-13, San Diego State 35-10 and North Carolina Central 59-7. The Bruins’ first loss of the year came to Utah 14-7 before a 25-17 win over Washington State. UCLA then fell 36-24 to Oregon State back on October 14.
Matched up against Stanford on Saturday, UCLA scored points in every quarter on the way to a 42-7 blowout victory. QB Ethan Garbers finished with 240 yards and two scores, but Carson Steele did most of the scoring with three TDs off 20 carries and 76 yards. J.Michael Sturdivant led the receivers with 54 yards and a score on five catches.
UCLA Bruins Team Facts
- UCLA has won eight of its last nine games against non-AP-ranked teams at Rose Bowl.
- The favorite has covered the spread in each of UCLA’s last six games.
- UCLA has lost the first half in four of its last five games against conference opponents.
- Four of UCLA’s last five games as a favorite have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- UCLA are one of only six FBS teams undefeated in home games this season ([z-0]).
- UCLA rank 10th among FBS teams for points allowed per game this season (14.9).
- Colorado rank T26th among FBS teams for points per game this season (34.4).
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’m going to stick with UCLA. The Bruins had very little issue with Stanford as the defense stood out in their latest win. UCLA gave up 292 total yards (268 passing), 15 first downs and a nice 1-of-12 rate on third-down tries in the victory. The offense is firing on all proverbial cylinders these days as well; the Bruins have hit 24 or more points in three straight games.
As for Colorado, the bye week should do the team some good but it will also give them more time to reflect on that demoralizing loss to the Cardinal. The penalty issues with this team are getting out of hand; the Stanford game would have been much different without the 17 flags for 127 yards. All of that said, I like a better all-around effort from the Buffaloes with a more disciplined result. I don’t think they’ll cover if UCLA plays well, though.
