The Penn State Nittany Lions will have a unique matchup this week against the UCLA Bruins. UCLA is a new Big Ten member after the implosion of the Pac-12 Conference. So far, the Bruins have not inspired gamblers’ confidence. Now, the Bruins face a difficult day at Happy Valley against a Penn State team that is deeper and better. UCLA is coming off a bad loss to Oregon. However, they got the cash as a valuable College Football Betting dog that the public wants nothing to do with.
UCLA Bruins vs. Penn State Nittany Lions NCAAF Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, October 5, 2024, Noon ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA |
| TV Coverage: | FOX |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UCLA | +28 -110 | 46 -110 | – |  |
| Penn State | -28 -110 | 46 -110 | – | |
| ||||
UCLA Bruins Team Overview
Last game, the UCLA Bruins lost 34-13 against the Oregon Ducks as 23.5-point home dogs. The game went under the sportsbook total of 54.5. UCLA has a record of 1-3 straight up, 2-2 against the spread, and 1-3 over/under the total. UCLA ranks 126th for total offense, 90th for passing, 133rd for rushing, and 128th for scoring. Defensively they rank 100th overall, 127th against the pass, 34th against the rush, and 105th for points allowed. Also, UCLA ranks 112th for fewest turnovers lost and 93rd for takeaways.
Penn State Nittany Lions Team Overview
Last game, the Penn State Nittany Lions won 21-7 against the Illinois Fighting Illini as 19-point home favorites. The game went under the total of 48. Penn State has a record of 4-0 straight up, 2-2 against the spread, and 1-3 over/under the total. Penn State ranks 11th for total offense, 53rd for passing, 9th for rushing, and 31st for scoring. Defensively they rank 4th overall, 15th against the pass, 7th against the rush, and 7th for points allowed. Also, Penn State ranks 30th for fewest turnovers lost and 69th for takeaways.
Nick Singleton ran for 102 yards and a touchdown, Kaytron Allen added 94 yards and a score. Hence No. 9 Penn State pulled away in the second half to beat No. 19 Illinois 21-7. Penn State took a 14-7 lead on Singleton’s 4-yard touchdown run on its opening second-half possession. Thus, the Nittany Lions then went into lockdown mode as 109,911 fans, all clad in white, helped shut down what had been a surging Illinois offense.
After scoring easily on their opening drive, the Illini managed just 25 rushing yards the rest of the way. They were tackled 13 times behind the line of scrimmage and allowed seven sacks. Meanwhile, the Nittany Lions needed just eight plays over 4:02 to pull even. Following big runs from quarterback Drew Allar and Singleton, tight end Tyler Warren leaped over the line of scrimmage from 3 yards out.
Penn State drove into Illinois’ territory again late in the second quarter but stalled out at the 23. Next, Sander Sahaydak missed a 40-yard field goal. Illinois botched its best shot to retake the lead moments later. Having directed his offense down to Penn State’s 2, Altmyer had to retreat as the first-down snap sailed over his head. And then he lost 3 yards on a keeper before he was sacked and called for intentional grounding on third down.
UCLA at Penn State SBG Free Picks
Penn State has much more appealing College Football Betting brands than UCLA, especially at Beaver Stadium. In this situation, UCLA lacks the depth and quality talent to compete with the Nittany Lions.
UCLA at Penn State SBG Best Bet: Penn State Nittany Lions.