Fresno State Bulldogs vs UCLA Bruins Betting Preview: Bruins Look to Maintain Buzz in Tricky Fresno State Matchup

UCLA is building some buzz in the Pac-12, and it is not just because USC is cratering. They got a big win over LSU two weeks ago, and maybe Chip Kelly’s system is finally taking hold. They have to keep winning or else the pundits will turn on them quickly.

Fresno State is not getting enough credit for what they do. This is a really strong offensive team, and they took Oregon, who just won at Ohio State, to the wire in Eugene two weeks ago. They are not to be taken lightly.

It would be so UCLA to fall here, but maybe things have actually turned.

Fresno State Bulldogs (2-1) vs UCLA Bruins (2-0), Pac-12 Network, 10:30 p.m. ET

Fresno State Bulldogs vs UCLA Bruins Betting odds

Moneyline

• Fresno State Bulldogs +310
• UCLA Bruins -420

Total

• OVER 64.5 (-114)
• UNDER 64.5 (-106)

Spread

• Fresno State Bulldogs +10.5 (-104)
• UCLA Bruins -10.5 (-118)

Fresno State Bulldogs vs UCLA Bruins odds are via BetOnline Sportsbook as of Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 8:00 p.m. ET.

Fresno State Bulldogs vs UCLA Bruins Betting Outlook

It is hard to argue with three straight covers to start the season for Fresno State. Using transitive properties, their seven-point loss at Autzen Stadium means they are better than Ohio State, who lost to Oregon by seven at home, right?

All jokes aside, Fresno State is a seriously dangerous team. The Bulldogs have a sharp offense. Jake Haener is an experienced and talented QB, and they can run the ball with crafty running back Ronnie Rivers. They even outgained Oregon, but turnovers did them in against the Ducks, who were healthier on defense than they were against the Buckeyes.

The Bulldogs gave up just ten points combined in games against Connecticut and Cal Poly. They did not give up a ton of yards against Oregon so there is some hope that they can keep this game within reach and give the offense a chance to win it. I don’t think they are going to be shy in the moment.

Can the Bruins Pass Another Tough Test?

The Bruins are off to a good start. We liked what we saw against Hawaii in Week Zero, and we especially liked the way they pushed around LSU in their win two weeks ago. That LSU team might not play well, but they are loaded with talent and UCLA really took it to them.

The Bruins have been especially impressive running the ball so far this season. Transfer RB Zach Charbonnet is averaging more than 13 yards per carry. That presence takes a lot of pressure off of QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, which is a good thing. When Thompson-Robinson tries or needs to do too much he can get himself in trouble.

With all due respect to LSU, Fresno State is a better offensive team right now. They are very well-coached and have enough talent to hurt you. This will be a better test of where the Bruins are at on defense because Fresno State’s quarterback knows what he is doing. There is NFL talent on the UCLA defensive line, but they need it to show up.

College Football Betting Trends to Consider for Fresno State Bulldogs vs UCLA Bruins

• Fresno State is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 vs Pac-12 opposition.
• The Bulldogs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
• UCLA is 8-0 ATS in their last 8 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
• The Bruins are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
• The Bruins are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win.

Fresno State Bulldogs vs UCLA Bruins Best Bets

Fresno State +10.5

This will be the Bulldogs second road trip to a Pac-12 school in the first month of the season. They covered in the first one and I like their chances to do so again in this one.

The offense is the key to that outcome. Fresno State might get pushed around on defense, but the offense will keep them in the game, even if we need a late score for the backdoor cover.

Score Prediction

UCLA 38, Fresno State 30