Sun Bowl: Pittsburgh vs. UCLA Prediction, Odds & Picks (Friday, Dec. 30)

Dorian Thompson-Robinson #1 of the UCLA Bruins passes in the pocket during a 34-31 loss to the Oregon Ducks at Rose Bowl on October 23, 2021 in Pasadena, California.
Image Credit: Harry How/Getty Images

It’s the Sun Bowl, as Pittsburgh is set to face UCLA on Friday, Dec. 30. The game is scheduled for 2 pm ET while airing on CBS. The UCLA Bruins enter this game as 5.5-point favorites with the total set at 53.5. How will this one play out? Let’s dive into the Pittsburgh vs. UCLA prediction for the Sun Bowl below.

Sun Bowl Odds: Pittsburgh vs. UCLA

  • Spread: UCLA -5.5
  • Total: 53.5

Odds via WynnBET. Check out our exclusive WynnBET Promo Code to redeem your $100 risk-free bet today!

Game Info

  • Date: Friday, Dec. 30
  • Time: 2 pm ET
  • Location: Sun Bowl — El Paso, TX
  • TV: CBS

Pittsburgh Betting Trends

  • Panthers are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 neutral site games.
  • Panthers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games.
  • Under is 5-1 in Panthers last 6 neutral site games.

UCLA Betting Trends

  • Bruins are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 neutral site games.
  • Over is 6-1 in Bruins last 7 games following a straight up win.
  • Over is 4-1 in Bruins last 5 non-conference games.

Pittsburgh vs. UCLA Predictions

Pittsburgh is missing several players due to opt-outs and the transfer portal. That includes starting QB Kedon Slovis, star RB Israel Abanikanda, and unanimous All-American DT Calijah Kancey. Yeah, so that’s not ideal. It’s difficult to shrug off those losses, as those three players are arguably the most crucial difference makers for Pitt.

The Panthers weren’t great at third downs to begin with (rank 82nd in nation), and that could take a hit with their starting quarterback and running back out of the picture. To that point, it will be difficult to keep pace with a UCLA offense that ranks 8th in scoring and third in total yards while breaking in players at key positions.

In case you were wondering, UCLA doesn’t have any significant opt-outs to speak of, so it should be all systems go for the Bruins. That gives them a sizable advantage in this game, and UCLA should win the Sun Bowl going away in the second half.

The Pick: UCLA -5.5 | -110 at WynnBET