UCLA Bruins vs Utah Utes: Spread Analysis and Pick Prediction

UCLA brings its 53-points-per-game offense to Utah in a Thursday night matchup where the point spread keeps climbing. It opened at three points and was six Thursday as bettors debate whether Utah’s solid home run against the spread can continue against the Bruins.

Point spread: UCLA opened as 3-point favorites, bet up to -6; the total was 62.5 Thursday. (Line updates and Matchup report)

Computer Prediction: 34-28 Bruins

Why UCLA can cover the spread

The Bruins have one of the best offensive units in the nation and covering as a road chalk is easier when you rank first in the nation in third down conversion percentage (.680), second in the nation in total offense (614.3), and third in the nation in scoring (52.7) - all of which the Bruins do.

Why Utah can cover the spread

The Utes have taken their sweet time getting acclimated to the Pac-12 Conference, and now is the time they need to prove they belong, especially at home, where they've lost to half the teams in the league.

Utah has to find a way to improve its home record in the Pac-12 and there's no better time than the present.

Smart Pick

If the Bruins can win and cover a high-profile game on the road like they did against Nebraska, 41-21, on Sept. 14, there's no reason they can't pull off a win here. Since joining the Pac-12 in 2011, Utah is 0-3 against ranked conference opponents, while UCLA is 9-2 overall and 3-2 in Salt Lake City in this series at Memorial Stadium.

Trends:

The total has gone OVER in 8 of UCLA's last 10 games.

Utah is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games at home.

Note: All spread and odds data powered by Odds Shark - follow them on Twitter for injury updates and line move updates.