UCLA at Cincinnati 8/29/19 - College Football Betting Odds & Picks
UCLA Bruins vs. Cincinnati Bearcats
NCAAF: 7:00 PM EST
Aug. 29, 2019
TV: ESPN
Latest Odds : CIN -3 Total 68.5
The UCLA Bruins are set to visit Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio for a Week 1 clash against the Cincinnati Bearcats. The UCLA Bruins will be looking to rebound after 3-9 during the 2018 season, and there is a ton of hope they can turn it around under offensive guru Chip Kelly. The Bruins will have a new look under center as Dorian Thompson-Robinson should be ready to take a step forward after only throwing for 1311 yards, 7 TDs, and 4 interceptions in limited action last season. The Bruins do have talent in the backfield as Joshua Kelley will return after contributing 1243 rushing yards and 12 TDs last year.
The UCLA Bruins will need to drastically improve on the defensive side of the ball if they want to see positive results as they finished 104th in points allowed last season. The Bruins will have to replace their leading tackler from a season ago as Adarius Pickett moved onto the NFL after contributing 123 tackles. The Bruins still have talent from the LB position though as Keisean Lucier-South and Krys Barnes will look to expand on their success after combining for 21.5 TFL during the 2018 season.
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The Cincinnati Bearcats will look to repeat their success from the 2018 season as they went 11-2 with a bowl victory over Virginia Tech in the Military Bowl. The Cincinnati Bearcats are excited to return their young QB in Desmond Ridder who had a breakout season with 2445 passing yards, 583 rushing yards, and 25 total TDs. The ground attack will also be strong as they will receive back the services of Michael Warren II who contributed 1329 rushing yards and 19 TDs last season.
The Cincinnati Bearcats had an extremely good defense during the 2018 season as they finished the year ranked 9th in points allowed. The Bearcats will have to replace a key defensive player as Cortez Broughton moved onto the NFL after totaling 18.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks last year. Cincinnati should be well off in the secondary as James Wiggins will return after compiling 4 interceptions last season.
Recent Betting Trends:
Bruins are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 non-conference games.
Over is 4-1 in Bruins last 5 games on fieldturf.
Bearcats are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Over is 5-1 in Bearcats last 6 home games.
Free Betting Pick: Cincinnati Bearcats -3
The Cincinnati Bearcats should once again be a top 25 team as they return most of their offensive weapons while I am still not sold on the UCLA Bruins. Cincinnati was able to go on the road last year and beat this same UCLA team, and there is not a doubt that they could do that at home. The UCLA defense was suspect last season and considering they will need to move on without their leading tackler from last season is concerning especially against a high-powered offense like the Bearcats. Cincinnati should be able to not only assert their dominance on the ground but also through the air. Final Score Prediction, Cincinnati Bearcats win and cover ATS 31-21.