Washington State vs UCLA Odds, Prediction: Both Teams to Light Up Scoreboard
Via Ric Tapia/Getty Images. Pictured: Carson Steele (UCLA)
Washington State vs UCLA Odds
| Washington State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3.5 -115 | 59.5 -115o / -105u | +140 |
| UCLA Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3.5 -105 | 59.5 -115o / -105u | -165 |
The Pac-12 takes center stage Saturday afternoon as the No. 13 Washington State Cougars travel to take on the UCLA Bruins.
The Cougars have started season hot, as they enter this matchup undefeated with two impressive upset victories over Oregon State and Wisconsin.
The Bruins, however, failed their first test of the season when they lost 14-7 at Utah two weeks ago. The Utes dominated the Bruins by shutting down their rushing attack and keeping Chip Kelly's offense off the field.
But now the Bruins return to the Rose Bowl and will face an opponent that's a much better matchup for them.
Will the Bruins bounce back at home, or will the Cougars pick up their third win as an underdog this season?
Find a betting pick, preview and prediction for Washington State vs. UCLA below.
Cameron Ward has been phenomenal so far this season, and he's the engine of this Cougars offense.
He's PFF's 16th-highest-graded quarterback, and he's well deserving. Ward has completed 74.6% of his passes this season while averaging 9.8 yards per completion.
Also, Ward has yet to throw an interception while already tossing 13 touchdowns.
However, Ward can also punish defenses with his legs. He's the team's second-leading rusher and has found pay dirt three times.
Ward will have the ball in his hands the majority of the time, as Washington State throws the ball at the 28th-highest rate in the country.
However, Ward and the Cougars may be up for their toughest test yet.
The Bruins' secondary is 31st in Passing Success Rate and 19th in PFF Coverage Grade.
Conversely, the Bruins have yet to face a quarterback of the caliber of Ward and have given up solid passing numbers to inferior quarterbacks already.
The Cougars' tempo also will play a factor, as they're 47th in seconds per play. If Ward can keep the chains moving, the Cougars could put up points without taking much time off the clock.
Speaking of tempo, there are not many teams that play faster than the Bruins, as Chip Kelly's offense is the 14th-fastest unit in the country.
However, unlike the Cougars, the Bruins' fast-paced attack will feature a balanced scheme.
Their biggest edge in this matchup will be on the ground.
UCLA's offensive line has a sizable edge in Line Yards, outranking the Cougars' defense 40 to 70.
The Cougars also haven't done a great job of stopping the run this season, as they're 76th in yards per carry and 90th in Rushing Success Rate Allowed.
The Bruins' edge on the ground will keep the chains moving and wear down the Cougars' defense. This will also open up the downfield passing game, as the Bruins are 31st in yards per pass while Washington State is 58th in Passing Success Rate Allowed.
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Washington State and UCLA match up statistically:
Washington State Offense vs. UCLA Defense
 | Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 38 | 32 | |
| Line Yards | 117 | 31 | |
| Pass Success | 9 | 31 | |
| Havoc | 55 | 24 | |
| Finishing Drives | 32 | 4 | |
| Quality Drives | 6 | 4 |
UCLA Offense vs. Washington State Defense
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 36 | 90 | |
| Line Yards | 40 | 70 | |
| Pass Success | 89 | 58 | |
| Havoc | 102 | 67 | |
| Finishing Drives | 89 | 104 | |
| Quality Drives | 70 | 70 |
Pace of Play / Other
| ||
| PFF Tackling | 53 | 55 |
| PFF Coverage | 44 | 19 |
| Special Teams SP+ | 39 | 45 |
| Middle 8 | 18 | 60 |
| Seconds per Play | 25.8 (47) | 23.8 (14) |
| Rush Rate | 46.9% (108) | 56.2% (60) |
Washington State vs UCLA
Betting Pick & Prediction
Expect plenty of plays in this matchup as both teams will play with fast tempo.
However, the contrasting styles of offense could produce an exciting back-and-forth contest.
Stopping Ward will be a tall task for the Bruins, as he can hurt them both through the air and on the ground.
On the other side, UCLA should have little issue moving the ball via the run game but will also have the opportunity to create big plays through the air.
Take the over and enjoy the fireworks.
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