UCLA vs. Boise State Prediction: Can Boise State Stop Ethan Garbers, Bruins in LA Bowl?
The Boise State Broncos will duel with the UCLA Bruins in the LA Bowl on Saturday afternoon. Can the Broncos limit Ethan Garbers and the Bruins in a low-scoring battle? Joey Ruiz provides his best bet on the total in UCLA vs. Boise State.
Joey Ruiz - December 16, 2023, 2:55 PM EST
5 minUCLA vs. Boise State Prediction: Can Boise State Stop Ethan Garbers, Bruins in LA Bowl?
Both of these teams have been dealing with numerous injuries and opt outs, both from players prepping for the NFL draft and entering the transfer portal. Who has the edge in this very interesting matchup? Let's break it down.
UCLA VS. BOISE STATE START DATE, TIME, AND WHERE TO WATCH
- Date: Saturday, December 16, 2023
- Game Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: ABC and ESPN+
UCLA VS. BOISE STATE ODDS
- Spread: UCLA -6 (-110), Boise State +6 (-110)
- Total Odds: Under 49.5 (-110), Over 49.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: UCLA (-250), Boise State (+208)
UCLA vs. Boise State Prediction
UCLA had a bit of a revolving door at quarterback this season as both Dante Moore and Ethan Garbers both saw considerable action but now Dante Moore is in the transfer portal and Garbers will get the nod for this matchup against the Broncos.
On the other side, Boise State has also had multiple QBs see action this season, but Taylen Green saw more action than anyone, and he too is in the transfer portal and has actually already given his commitment to Arkansas. So this game will essentially be a matchup of backup quarterbacks as Garbers will likely face off against CJ Tiller for Boise State, who is a true freshman and has barely seen any action.
Boise State has been playing like a team possessed over the past few weeks after Avalos was fired and now Boise State has found their guy as they recently promoted Spencer Danielson from interim to the next full time head coach for Boise State. Boise State comes into this matchup on a four-game winning streak as they have scored at least 40+ points in three of those four games, and have won those games by an average of just under 24 ppg.
While the Broncos were very impressive in those games, they all were played with Green under center, and their offense will take a considerable step down now with the true freshman Tiller now taking the snaps. The strength of this Boise State team is their rushing attack with the two-headed monster of George Holani and Ashton Jeanty. These two guys have combined to average 201.7 rushing yards per game on 5.7 yards per carry.
While these are very impressive numbers, the UCLA rushing defense has been one of the best in the country. The Bruins have had a few opt-outs on the defensive side of the ball, but they are still an elite unit. UCLA is currently ranked 7th nationally in yards allowed per play (4.4), 12th in yards allowed per game (305), 3rd in yards allowed per carry (2.3), and 24th in yards allowed per passing attempt (6.6). UCLA has also done a great job of taking the ball away, as they are averaging 1.9 takeaways per game, good for 12th in the country.
Overall, I do not believe either team will have a ton of success moving the ball as both teams will be starting below average quarterbacks and both offenses are focused around establishing the run. The strength of Boise State is their 2-headed monster rushing attack, but UCLA is one of the top teams at stopping the run, and I do not think Tiller will be able to make enough plays with his arm to move the ball or put the ball in the end zone consistently.
On the other side, Garbers is much better than Tiller, but he still has issues of his own. I do not believe UCLA will be able to move the ball consistently either, which means this is a great recipe for an under. With that being said, I am rolling with the full game under 48.5 at -110 odds for 1.5 units as one of my most confident college football plays of the day for tonight's action, as I think this will be a low scoring back and forth affair.
UCLA VS. BOISE STATE PICK
Under 48.5 (-110) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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