The San Diego State Aztecs and UCLA Bruins meet Saturday in week 2 college football action at the Rose Bowl. Here’s a UCLA vs San Diego State Prediction. This article includes a UCLA vs. San Diego State Pick.
San Diego State Aztecs Betting Preview
The San Diego State Aztecs beat Portland State, and they play James Madison next. San Diego State looks for its first 2-0 start since the 2023 season. Jayden Denegal is completing 70.6 percent of his passes for 137 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Justius Lowe and Nathan Acevedo have combined for 103 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, while Donovan Brown has 2 receptions.
The San Diego State Aztecs’ ground game is averaging 237 yards per contest, and Javion Kinnard leads the way with 79 yards on 8 carries. Defensively, San Diego State is allowing 20 points and 375 yards per game. Sione Hala leads the San Diego State Aztecs with 11 tackles, Nate Henrich has 1 sack, and Isaiah Green has 1 interception.
UCLA Bruins Betting Preview
The UCLA Bruins beat California, and they play Purdue next. UCLA looks for its first 2-0 start since the 2023 season. Nico Iamaleava is completing 63.6 percent of his passes for 184 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Mikey Matthews and Wayne Knight have combined for 118 receiving yards on 6 catches, while Brian Rowe Jr. has 3 receptions.
The UCLA Bruins’ ground game is averaging 277 yards per contest, and Anthony Woods leads the way with 118 yards and 2 touchdowns. Defensively, UCLA is allowing 24 points and 410 yards per game. Sammy Omosigho leads the UCLA Bruins with 14 tackles, Derrick Barksdale has 1 sack, and Ta’Shawn James has 2 interceptions.
Why the UCLA Bruins will win
- San Diego State has lost seven of its last eight road games in September.
- UCLA has won nine of its last 10 games as a favorite against teams from California.
- San Diego State has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five September games as a road underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
- The favorite has covered the spread in three of UCLA’s last four games.
- The favorite has won the first half in nine of San Diego State’s last 10 games.
Why the San Diego State Aztecs will win
- San Diego State has won each of its last eight games in California.
- UCLA has lost seven of its last eight games in September.
- UCLA has failed to cover the spread in each of its last seven games as a home favorite.
- San Diego State has covered the spread in seven of its last eight games in California.
- San Diego State has won the first half in each of its last eight games in California.
Total Points Facts
- Each of UCLA’s last six games against opponents from the Pac-12 Conference have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of San Diego State’s last five games as a road underdog have gone OVER the total points line.
UCLA Bruins Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 2, Semaj Morgan ranks T1st amongst qualified players for catch rate (100.0%) this season.
San Diego State Aztecs Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 2, Justius Lowe ranks T1st amongst qualified players for catch rate (100.0%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- UCLA ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q4 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
- UCLA ranks T1st among FBS teams for average point differential in fourth quarters this season (+21.0).
- San Diego State ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q2 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
- San Diego State ranks T8th among FBS teams for average point differential in second quarters this season (+22.0).
UCLA vs San Diego State Prediction
UCLA is the more talented team with the accomplished quarterback, and it deserves credit for getting out with Cal with a solid road win. However, let’s not act like UCLA isn’t a work in progress with a new coaching staff, and this defense leaves a lot to be desired. San Diego State is usually a well-coached team that makes a living in the trenches, and while it’s not always pretty, it does keep the Aztecs in games. SDSU has covered 7 of its last 10 games. I’ll take a shot with the points.