Location: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
Date: October 12, 2024
Time: 9:00 PM ET
Odds
- Spread: Minnesota -5.5, UCLA +5.5
- Total: 40
- Moneyline: Minnesota -205, UCLA +170
Game Preview
The Minnesota Golden Gophers (3-3) travel to the Rose Bowl to face the UCLA Bruins (1-4) in a night matchup under the Pasadena lights. Minnesota enters as the 5.5-point favorite, but UCLA has had to endure one of the toughest schedules in the nation, including matchups against Penn State, Oregon, LSU, Indiana, and a challenging road game at Hawaii.
Despite UCLA’s record, they have shown flashes of resilience against top-tier competition. The Bruins have covered the spread in several tough contests this season, and they will be looking to build on their efforts in front of a home crowd. Minnesota has been inconsistent on the road, and the Gophers will need to prove they can execute away from home.
Key Factors to Watch
1. UCLA’s Strength of Schedule
UCLA’s tough early-season schedule has prepared them for high-stakes games. They've faced off against elite competition, with road games against powerhouse teams and tricky venues like Hawaii. While their 1-4 record doesn’t reflect it, this experience against quality opponents could be a key advantage.
2. Minnesota’s Road Performance
Minnesota has struggled away from home, winning just 1 of their last 6 road games. Despite being the favorite, the Gophers have shown vulnerability when traveling, and playing in the Rose Bowl could be a difficult test for them.
3. Defensive Matchups
UCLA’s defense has been tested against some of the nation’s top offenses, and while they’ve allowed 30 points per game, they face a Minnesota offense that has been inconsistent in terms of production. Minnesota averages 25.67 points per game, but they’ve also struggled to score at times, especially on the road. This defensive battle will be crucial in determining the outcome.
Betting Pick
While Minnesota is the favorite, their struggles on the road and UCLA’s battle-tested experience against tough competition give the Bruins a strong chance to cover the **+5.5-point spread** at home. Expect UCLA to keep this game close, and they may even have a shot at pulling off the outright upset in front of their home crowd.