The UCLA Bruins (7-5) and Boise State Broncos (8-5) meet in the Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UCLA vs. Boise State odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
The Bruins basically stay home, taking the short freeway jaunt from Pasadena to L.A. The Bruins did not finish strong, winning just once in the final 4 outings while going 1-4 against the spread (ATS) in the final 5 games. The Under has cashed in 6 in a row for UCLA and in 8 of the past 9 outings.
UCLA saw QB Dante Moore hit the portal. However, QB Ethan Garbers is capable and expected to be able to start after a minor, late-season ailment. RB Carson Steele, the team’s leading rusher, is doubtful due to an undisclosed injury, though. The team made it through the portal in fairly good shape, losing a few pieces but no stat leaders.
Boise State will be without QB Taylen Green, as he entered the transfer portal, and QB Maddux Madsen due to injury. That leaves freshman QB CJ Tiller in line to start. He did not attempt a pass in the regular season. He will have leading rusher RB Ashton Jeanty to lean upon, though, and he gobbled up 1,266 yards and 14 TDs while adding 39 receptions for 552 yards and 5 TDs. Leading receiver Eric McAlister, who has 47 grabs for 873 yards and 5 TDs, is out due to an undisclosed injury, though.