UCLA vs Boise State Prediction, Odds & Picks – LA Bowl 2023

Nov 11, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Collin Schlee (9) hands off to running back Carson Steele (33) during the first half against the Arizona State Sun Devils at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Alex Gallardo-USA TODAY SportsUCLA battles Boise State in the 2023 LA BowlThe latest betting odds favor the Bruins by two pointsRead below for UCLA vs Boise State prediction, plus odds and picks

The UCLA Bruins (7-5) will take on the Mountain West Champion Boise State Broncos (8-5) in the 2023 Starco Brands LA Bowl hosted by four-time Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski. The game will be played at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, December 16 at 4:30pm PT on ABC.

The latest odds for the LA Bowl have the Bruins priced as short two-point favorites over the Broncos. Both teams’ starting quarterbacks have entered the transfer portal, creating plenty of intrigue heading into Saturday’s showdown.

Let’s get into the UCLA vs Boise State prediction, as we break down the odds and offer our analysis.

UCLA vs Boise State Odds – LA Bowl 2023

In the UCLA vs Boise State odds for the LA Bowl, the Bruins are -130 moneyline favorites, implying there is a 57% chance Chip Kelly’s team secures the victory.

Not only will NFL legend Rob Gronkowski host the game, but he will also sing the national anthem. Prepare for a healthy dose of ‘Gronk’ on your TV screens Saturday.

Odds as of December 10, 2023, at ESPN Sportsbook. Claim the ESPN Bet promo code to bet on UCLA vs Boise State.

Bruins Betting Analysis

The Bruins had an up-and-down 2023 college football season, finishing 4-5 in the Pac-12 and 7-5 overall. They had some good wins over Washington State and USC, but also disappointing losses to Arizona, Oregon State, and Utah.

Offensively, UCLA was led by quarterback Dante Moore, who threw for over 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns since taking over midseason. Unfortunately, Moore has entered the transfer portal and won’t be available for the LA Bowl.

Breaking: UCLA freshman quarterback Dante Moore plans to enter the transfer portal, a source confirmed to @TomVH.

On3 first reported that Moore would look to transfer. pic.twitter.com/IDYgVc4F5p

— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) November 30, 2023

In terms of who will be taking over QB duties for Moore in the LA Bowl, the logical answer is junior Ethan Garbers. Although Garbers hasn’t officially been announced as the starter, he has solid experience, tossing for 984 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions this season.

While the Bruins won’t have their starting QB for the LA Bowl, they’ll likely have a running back tandem of Carson Steele and TD Harden to count on. The two juniors have combined for over 1,200 yards and are a primary reason UCLA leads the entire Pac-12 in rushing offense (191 YPG).

Defensively, linebacker Darius Muasau leads the team with 61 tackles. The Bruins have struggled against the pass this year, ranking 83rd nationally. Boise State’s key to victory might be exploiting this UCLA secondary that is allowing nearly 230 yards per game through the air.

Broncos Betting Analysis

Boise State also went through some growing pains this season after losing several stars from last year’s team. But they still managed to finish 8-5 and win the Mountain Division of the Mountain West Conference.

The offense was led by freshman quarterback Taylen Green, who threw for over 1,700 yards in just eight games as the starter. Just like UCLA’s Moore, Green has also entered the transfer portal, leaving Boise State’s quarterback situation up in the air.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV pic.twitter.com/FHR2qpbwli

— Taylen Green (@taylengreen17) December 4, 2023

The Broncos are definitely more of a run-first team this season, throwing the ball on just 40% of their offensive snaps. Running back Ashton Jeanty had a huge year, rushing for over 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Top receivers include Eric McAlister, Billy Bowens, and Stefan Cobbs, who are all averaging at least 10 yards per reception. McAllister, their leading pass catcher, has opted out of the LA Bowl.

The defense is led by safety Alexander Teubner’s 63 tackles. While solid overall, the Broncos do allow over 250 passing yards per game.

UCLA vs Boise State Prediction

Both these secondaries have been among the worst in their respective conferences, but will either team have the quarterback to take advantage? We could see this game being decided in the trenches given the key opt-outs at the skill positions.

UCLA has been particularly stringent against the run this season, allowing just 70 rushing yards per game. We also love how effective their defensive line has been at getting to the quarterback, as the Bruins rank first nationally in pass rush efficiency, per PFF.

Considering the Broncos may be starting a freshman at quarterback in this game, we’re riding with the Bruins on the strength of their defense. Take UCLA to cover while the line is sitting under a field goal.

LA Bowl Pick: UCLA -2 (-115)

 

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