LA Bowl Predictions: UCLA vs. Boise State Picks – Saturday, Dec. 16

UCLA Bruins running back TJ Harden (25) celebrates with wide receiver Kyle Ford (19) after a touchdown during the third quarter against the USC Trojans at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Image Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

The UCLA Bruins (7-5) are set to face off against the Boise State Broncos (8-5) in a highly anticipated matchup. With both teams looking to cap off their seasons with a victory, this game promises to be a clash of wills as the Bruins aim to overcome a recent loss and the Broncos look to extend their 4-game winning streak. Let’s dive into our LA Bowl predictions and UCLA vs. Boise State picks below.

UCLA vs. Boise State Odds

Game Info

  • Date: Saturday, Dec. 16
  • Time: 07:30 PM ET
  • Location: SoFi Stadium – Los Angeles, CA
  • TV: ABC

UCLA Bruins Betting Trends

  • On the road, UCLA Bruins are 3 and 3 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, UCLA Bruins are 5 and 7.
  • Against the spread on the road, UCLA Bruins are 3 and 3.

Boise State Broncos Betting Trends

  • At home, Boise State Broncos are 5 and 1 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Boise State Broncos are 7 and 5.
  • Against the spread at home, Boise State Broncos are 5 and 1.

LA Bowl Predictions For UCLA vs. Boise State

The UCLA Bruins head into the game with a solid 7-5 record, but they’ve been struggling with consistency, as evidenced by their recent performance. The Bruins’ offense, which has been their strength throughout the season, will need to step up against the Broncos’ defense. UCLA’s ability to control the game’s tempo and keep their offense on the field will be critical. On the other side, the Boise State Broncos, with an 8-5 record, are coming into this game with momentum, riding a 4-game winning streak. The Broncos have shown resilience and a knack for making key plays in crucial moments, which they will need to continue against the Bruins.

Key players to watch include the quarterbacks from both teams, who have been instrumental in their respective team’s successes. For UCLA, their quarterback’s decision-making and ability to spread the ball around will be tested against Boise State’s defense, which has been stout against the pass this season. Boise State’s quarterback, on the other hand, will look to exploit a UCLA defense that has shown vulnerabilities. The battle in the trenches will also be key, as both teams can control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.

Defensively, both teams have had their moments, but it will be the side that manages to make the critical stops that could determine the outcome of the game. Special teams play could also play a pivotal role, as field position and capitalizing on scoring opportunities will be paramount. With both teams looking to end their seasons on a high note, expect a hard-fought game with both teams leaving everything on the field.

UCLA vs. Boise State Picks

The Broncos’ current 4-game winning streak indicates a team peaking at the right time, with momentum on their side. Furthermore, the Broncos’ defense has been a key factor in their success and could pose a significant challenge for the UCLA Bruins’ offense, which has been inconsistent in recent games.

On the other hand, the UCLA Bruins have struggled against the spread this season with a 5-7 record ATS and an even 3-3 ATS record on the road. While the Bruins have the offensive firepower to keep games close, their recent form, including a 0-5 record in overs in the last 5 games, suggests they may struggle to keep up with the Broncos.

Additionally, the historical performance and the current trajectory of both teams point towards Boise State being the more reliable choice to cover the spread in this matchup. Given these factors, the smart pick for this game is the Boise State Broncos against the spread.

The Pick: Boise State +2.5 (BetRivers)