Prediction
If you are a betting person, which I am not, following betting lines is something you probably watch closely and there are a few things I am taking away from the early odds in this game.
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First off, the line opened up in favor of Fresno State at (-1). A day later, the Bruins took over as they were given (-1). As of Wednesday morning, the line is EVEN. These are not major swings, but it does show how indecisive the oddsmakers are.
UCLA’s numbers do not look good, but I believe when analysts start looking closer, they will see that the Bruins might be a tough matchup for Fresno State… and vice versa. The Bulldogs do not have the attitude of a Group of 5 team. They built up a lot of confidence from last season (they won one game in 2016 and shot up to 10 in 2017).
Fresno State nearly beat Minnesota last week and that has not left a pleasurable taste in their mouth. They know they are better than that and want to prove it. A win against UCLA will do just that, but how possible is it?
UCLA has a tough defense that will be relentless against the Bulldogs’ offense. If FSU cannot move the ball against UCLA, they are in for a world of pain. Likewise, UCLA needs to figure out how to move the ball against Fresno State. UCLA has not been consistent and has not put up a lot of points in their first two games. Yes, it is a process, but in this part of the process, it is pretty slow going.
Unless UCLA’s offense just completely stalls against Fresno State, this should be a game the Bruins take at home. Finally, Chip Kelly gets his first win in his UCLA tenure. Now everyone can calm down.
Prediction: UCLA 28 – Fresno State 20