This has the makings of a high-scoring affair as the Washington State Cougars (6-3) take on the UCLA Bruins (7-2). The country’s leading passer, Luke Falk (3,736 yards, 33 TDs), will be on display in this matchup for Washington State. Winners of four of its last five, Washington State will be hoping to add to its recent success in this week’s clash. The game will air Saturday, Nov 14 at 10:45 p.m. ET on ESPN.
UCLA smashed Oregon State 41-0 last week. Thomas Duarte had a huge game in the win, recording six receptions for 116 yards and two TDs. Josh Rosen also had a big day, contributing 333 yards and two TDs through the air. Washington State also won last week’s performance, beating Arizona State 38-24. Luke Falk had a great game through the air for the Cougars, connecting on 36 of 55 passes for 497 yards, five TDs and one interception. Dom Williams also had a great game with 123 receiving yards and two TDs on six catches.
The Bruins, an eight-point favorite, will be looking to defend their home field when Washington State visits. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is set at 66 points.
The Bruins enter the game with records of 7-2 Straight Up (SU) and 5-4 Against The Spread (ATS) this season. In their five most recent matchups, the Bruins went 3-2 SU and 2-3 ATS. A focal point of UCLA’s offense is its passing game, which ranks 22nd in the country with 294.4 passing yards per game. The UCLA pass defense has played at another level the past five games. It has given up 228.4 passing yards per game during that span. It is critical for the Cougars to prepare for UCLA’s big-play defense. The Bruins rank 25th in the nation with 1.2 interceptions per game. In the third quarter, UCLA is a tough test, putting up 9.6 points during the third frame. UCLA’s special teams are one of its strengths. They earn 114.2 return yards per game, putting them 16th in Division I.
On the other side, the Cougars head into Week 11 with records of 7-2 ATS and 6-3 SU. In the previous five games, Washington State is 4-1 SU and unbeaten ATS. The Cougars have averaged 41 PPG over the last five games, above their 35.7 PPG season average. Hopefully UCLA’s defense is better than its timing. It will be matching up against a Cougars offense that is on fire lately, averaging 549.2 total yards over their last five games. Lately, the Cougars have had a better pass defense. They’re allowing only 189.6 passing YPG over their last five matchups. Yellow flags will likely be a common sight during any game with UCLA. The Bruins are one of the most penalized teams in the country with 8.4 calls per game.
Predictions: SU Winner – UCLA, ATS Winner – Washington State, O/U – Over
Notes
UCLA is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of UCLA’s last 9 games.
UCLA is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home.
UCLA is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home.
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of UCLA’s last 10 games at home.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of UCLA’s last 9 games when playing Washington State.
UCLA is 2-10 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Washington State.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of UCLA’s last 6 games when playing at home against Washington State.
Washington State is 4-1 SU when leading at the start of the 4th quarter this season. UCLA is 6-0 SU when carrying a lead into the fourth quarter.
UCLA is 3-1 SU in games where it comes out ahead in the turnover battle, yet undefeated (3-0 SU) in games where it loses the turnover battle.
Among all FBS teams, the UCLA offensive passing game is ranked 22nd in the country, while the Washington State pass defense is only ranked 53rd. The Cougars passing attack is ranked second, compared to the 40th-ranked pass defense of the Bruins.
