UCLA Staff Predicts Game Scores, Spread Picks, and Prop Bets

Ohio State football returns to Ohio Stadium for a showdown against UCLA in a crucial Big Ten matchup. The Buckeyes, aiming for their fifth consecutive season with double-digit wins, face the Bruins, who are fighting for bowl eligibility at 3-6.

Game Overview

This match marks the inaugural contest between Ohio State and UCLA as Big Ten opponents. Historically, the two teams have met nine times, resulting in a balanced record, with each team earning four wins and a tie back in 1976.

UCLA’s Challenges

UCLA will enter the game without their starting quarterback, Nico Iamaleava. This absence could severely impact their offense, which currently ranks 102nd nationally in total offense, averaging 344.6 yards per game. In passing offense, they sit at 109th with an average of 184.3 yards.

Redshirt sophomore Luke Duncan will make his first career start, stepping in for Iamaleava. This transition poses a significant challenge for the Bruins, especially against Ohio State’s formidable defense.

Score Predictions from Experts

• Andy Anders: Ohio State 41, UCLA 10
• Chase Brown: Ohio State 42, UCLA 3
• George Eisner: Ohio State 45, UCLA 7
• Jack Emerson: Ohio State 38, UCLA 7
• Matt Gutridge: Ohio State 45, UCLA 10
• Dan Hope: Ohio State 38, UCLA 3
• Kyle Jones: Ohio State 38, UCLA 10
• Chris Lauderback: Ohio State 45, UCLA 7
• Ramzy Nasrallah: Ohio State 42, UCLA 6
• Josh Poloha: Ohio State 41, UCLA 6
• Jason Priestas: Ohio State 45, UCLA 9
• Jordan Raines: Ohio State 42, UCLA 7

Betting Predictions

Will Ohio State Cover the Spread?

The spread has risen to 34.5 points in favor of the Buckeyes following Iamaleava’s injury announcement. Ohio State has covered the spread in seven of their nine games this season, establishing themselves as a strong team against the spread. In contrast, UCLA has struggled, reflecting their 3-6 record.

Most expert predictions anticipate that Ohio State will successfully cover the spread.

Over/Under Results

The game’s point total is set at 47.5, down from its original total. The under has hit in six of Ohio State’s nine games this season, while UCLA has seen the over occur in their last two outings. Among the predictions, eight staff members forecast a total over, while a few predict the under.

Player Prop Bets

Here are some key prop bets for this matchup:

As kickoff approaches, anticipation builds for what is expected to be a compelling encounter under the lights at Ohio Stadium.