The Arizona State Sun Devils have a better record than the UCLA Bruins and the home field advantage, but oddsmakers aren’t feeling great about their chances. UCLA (3-2) comes in as a double-digit favorite and will aim to move up in the Pac-12 South with a Week 6 victory.
The Sun Devils (4-1) have some good wins this season but their defense is among the worst in the country, which isn’t a good sign with Josh Rosen coming to town. The promising Bruins quarterback will aim to kickstart the road victory.
This contest in Week 6 of the regular season will go down Saturday, October 8, 2016, at 10:30 p.m. ET at Sun Devil Stadium.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
UCLA -10
Arizona State +10
Over/Under 59
Odds Analysis
Even though UCLA is a big road favorite against a conference foe, that’s not scaring away the bettors. More than 55 percent of the money is coming in on the Bruins to cover the spread.
The scoring total seems a bit low and that is reflected in the early betting action, as nearly 60 percent of bettors are taking the “over” in this matchup.
Matchup to Watch
Rosen vs. the Arizona State passing defense - UCLA is a heavy favorite because there is an expectation it will be able to throw the ball all over the field.
Rosen is 113-of-188 for 1,515 yards with eight touchdowns and four interceptions on the year. He is throwing for more than 300 yards per game and has to be licking his chops at this matchup.
Arizona State is giving up 396.4 yards per game through the air this season, as several signal-callers have done very well against them. Rosen is a burgeoning star and figures to put up some big numbers.
The Sun Devils beat Cal earlier in the year by nabbing a couple interceptions, and that seems paramount in this one. Rosen’s top wide receiver is Darren Andrews, who caught 21 passes for 301 yards and a touchdown.
Injury Report
Arizona State quarterback Manny Wilkins injured his leg in a loss last week to Southern California and didn’t return. Wilkins’ injury isn’t expected to keep him out for a significant stretch, but he may miss this game.
If so, the Sun Devils will turn to Brady White. He was a hot prospect but has limited college playing time. White filled in last week and finished 6-of-13 for 80 yards but seems like a downgrade from Wilkins at this point.
Even though Wilkins only took over as quarterback this season, he has played well, throwing for 1,233 yards with five touchdowns against four interceptions while also making plays with his legs.
Free ATS Pick
Arizona State wants to get back on the winning track, but it won’t be easy. The team has given up 503.8 yards per game and 35.6 points per contest and needs to step up defensively so as to not fall into a losing streak.
The Sun Devils have had some luck on their side, as they have wins over Texas Tech, UTSA and Cal in games that could have gone either way. White needs to play well and a running game led by Kalen Ballage and Demario Richard will have to move the ball effectively.
UCLA’s lone losses this year have come to Texas A&M and Stanford, a pair of top teams. The Bruins rebounded last time out with a convincing win over Arizona and will aim to keep it rolling.
UCLA is the more talented team despite its record, and shouldn’t have much trouble pulling away. Expect Rosen to dice up a questionable Arizona State defense, and the Bruins should be able to take advantage of mistakes by White to not only win this game but cover the spread.
The “over” is the right call as UCLA should score at will.
College Football Odds: UCLA 41, ASU 28
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