UCLA Bruins vs Utah Utes

Utah's first three games have gone UNDER by an average of 9.5 points and the Utes are tied at #9 in the country in scoring defense, #18 in total yards allowed and #11 in rush defense. Utah held Weber State to just 127 yards of total offense while winning 31-7 last week and the Utes have gone UNDER their past four games after allowing fewer than 20 points their previous game. Also, Utah coach Kyle Whittingham is 35-21 UNDER after playing a non-conference game. UCLA stayed UNDER its first two games by an average of 15.5 points before blowing out North Carolina Central, an FCS school, 59-7. The Bruins have allowed only 10.0 points per game this season and they are #12 in rush defense allowing just 69.7 yards per game. This is an inflated posted total based on last year's meeting, but both teams have more experienced defenses this year and each returns nine defensive starters. Take the UNDER as a Max Play. 

UCLA fans probably can't wait for Chip Kelly's tenure to be over as he has a 7-18 record since taking over as coach in 2018. Kelly was known as an offensive genius at one time, but the game has appeared to have passed him by. The Bruins did score 42 against Colorado in their season opener, but it was the defense that was torched for 48 points, including 35 in the first half. The Buffaloes piled up 525 total yards, including 264 on the ground. UCLA QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson completed 20 of 40 for 303 yards and four touchdowns with one interception. Utah won last year's meeting 49-3 and the Utes have averaged an astounding 47.5 points against the Bruins the last four meetings. The Utes have not played a game yet due to COVID and scheduling problems, but coach Kyle Whittingham obviously knows how to take advanatage of a UCLA defense. Jake Bentley, Drew Lisk and Cam Rising are candidates for the starting QB and Whittingham said he may wait until game day to announce it, giving the opponent less chance to prepare. However, with the way the UCLA defense played its first game it probably won't matter. The Utes are 8-1 ATS their last nine conference games and 8-2 ATS as favorites. The Bruins are 4-9-1 ATS as home underdogs and 4-10-1 ATS their last 15 home games. Play Utah for my CFB Max Play.