Oregon vs. UCLA Odds: No. 10 Oregon Catching Points Against Unranked Opponent

Oregon vs. UCLA Odds: #10 Oregon Catching Points vs Unranked UCLA

One of the biggest games on the Week 8 college football slate pits two Pac-12 Conference contenders head-to-head. After having a bye week to contemplate their first loss of the season, the Oregon Ducks managed to get back on track with a hard-fought home win last Friday night. Now, they must go back on the road to face an improved UCLA Bruins program that has won two straight coming in. The Oregon vs UCLA betting odds for this contest have shifted from the opening number. The home team is currently favored ahead of Saturday’s showdown at the Rose Bowl.

Oregon vs. UCLA Week 8 College Football Betting Odds, Picks, and Preview

Oregon Ducks (5-1 SU, 1-5 ATS) vs. UCLA Bruins (5-2 SU, 5-2 ATS)

Date: Saturday, October 23, 2021

Start Time: 3:30 PM EST

Location: Rose Bowl — Pasadena, CA

TV Coverage: ABC

Oregon vs. UCLA odds

Oregon Ducks Preview

For many college football bettors, the first true look at Oregon this season came in their 35-28 upset win over Ohio State. While that effort might’ve led some to believe that the Ducks are a potent offensive team, that isn’t exactly the case. Oregon has scored exactly 24 points in each of their last two contests. After losing to Stanford in overtime, the Ducks bounced back with a seven-point win over California last week. For those clamoring that the No. 10 team in the country should beat Cal by more than a touchdown, be reminded that the Ducks would still be undefeated if not for getting hosed by the referees in the Stanford game.

The real strength of Mario Cristobal’s team is the defense. The Ducks enter Saturday’s college football betting contest ranked fourth in the Pac-12 allowing just 21.0 points per game. That ranking would undoubtedly be better if Oregon had the services of star pass-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux in every game thus far. Thibodeaux missed the Ohio State win with an injury and was ejected in the fourth quarter against Stanford for a bogus targeting foul. That saw him miss the first half of last week’s game against Cal. Mykael Wright and Noah Sewell stepped up in his absence, combining for 13 tackles. Running back Travis Dye had a big game with 145 yards rushing and a score in the win.

UCLA Bruins Preview

Despite suffering a pair of disappointing home losses to Fresno State and Arizona State, Chip Kelly’s UCLA squad continues to make steady progress. This is the best shape the Bruins’ football program has been in quite some time. While a Week 1 win over SEC-foe LSU doesn’t look quite as nice as it did originally, the Bruins are a perfect three-for-three on the road in conference play. This includes an 11-point win over Stanford, the lone team to defeat Oregon to date.

Can UCLA stretch their winning streak to three straight at home on Saturday? To do so will require the Bruins to somehow dissect the stingy Oregon defense. Nothing figures to come easy for quarterback, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and star tailback, Zach Charbonnet, on Saturday. The dual-threat capabilities of Thompson-Robinson could be a critical factor in this college football betting matchup. His mobility will be necessary to escape the consistent Oregon pass rush.

Oregon vs. UCLA Betting Odds and Line Movement

Oregon vs. UCLA odds

Although the Oregon vs UCLA betting odds have not moved through a key number, the spread has passed through pick’em. Oddsmakers originally opened the Ducks as a two-point road favorite. That line is long gone and, in fact, has reversed entirely. Now, bettors will find the Bruins laying two points at home ahead of this contest. The shift in the spread has been accompanied by a shift in the outright moneyline odds. Current lines give UCLA a 55.6% implied chance of winning this matchup.

We have also seen a hefty line move on the over/under for this Pac-12 matchup. After originally opening at 65.5, the Oregon vs UCLA betting total has dropped down to an even 60 across the market. This line might not be done falling yet either, with some Las Vegas shops already showing the number down at 59.

Oregon vs. UCLA Betting Picks and Prediction

This college football betting matchup sets up as a perfect display of reverse line movement. As discussed above, the spread for this game has shifted through pick’em with UCLA now being favored after opening as the underdog. At the same time, 69% of bets on this Oregon vs UCLA game are on the Ducks. The fact that the line has moved four points in UCLA’s favor despite the public backing Oregon signifies sharp action on the Bruins.

A lot of college football betting analysts and sharps were high on Chip Kelly and UCLA coming into the year. While the Bruins have stubbed their toe a couple of times, they certainly have the talent to compete with Oregon on Saturday. The fact that they are laying points to the team ranked No. 10 in the country says a lot about how Vegas weighs these two teams.

Oregon vs. UCLA Prediction: UCLA -2 (-110)