Utah Utes vs. UCLA Bruins Betting – College Football, November 14, 2020

Last week’s cancelation in Salt Lake City pushed the Utes opener back a week. However, instead of facing a depleted Arizona squad at Rice-Eccles- Stadium, Utah now heads to the Rose Bowl to take on the agitated Bruins.

Let’s dive into a Utah vs. UCLA prediction and see what’s in store.

Here’s why the Utes are only favored by a field goal against UCLA at the safest sports betting sites.

Not only is Utah playing their first game since New Year’s Eve 2019 (UCLA played last weekend), but Kyle Whittingham has to account for a myriad of departures.

Three members of the Utes secondary and three members of their defensive line were drafted, as was their stud running back, Zack Moss. Utah’s starting QB in each of the last three seasons (Tyler Huntley) is now part of the Baltimore Ravens practice squad.

It’ll be interesting to see how a team that won 11 games last season responds to its new leaders.

Who’s Playing Quarterback? Coach Whittingham and his players know exactly who will be taking snaps under center on Saturday in Los Angeles. Rather than fill us in and give Chip Kelly any time to prepare, Whittingham is playing it coy.

All signs are pointing toward South Carolina transfer Jake Bentley being “the guy,” but it won’t be a shock if Cam Rising receives the nod. Fortunately, a bevy of talented pass-catchers will be waiting to haul in balls from whoever is called upon. Tight end Brant Kuithe is a sincere threat in the red zone (6 TDs in 2019), while junior WR Bryan Thompson is a major weapon downfield.

Anemic Defense. I was on Colorado upsetting UCLA last weekend simply due to the reputation of the Bruins defense. It’s hard to imagine, but Chip Kelly’s defensive unit was actually even worse than advertised.

Lost in the craziness of last night, UCLA lost to Colorado 48-42, giving up nearly 50 points to the worst team on its schedule. The Chip Kelly era at UCLA makes Jim Harbaugh and Michigan look like Nick Saban and Alabama by comparison ?‍♂️?‍♂️

— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) November 8, 2020

Keep in mind that Colorado was starting a converted safety at quarterback and playing their first game under the Mel Tucker regime. And yet that didn’t stop the Buffaloes from mauling the Bruins 35-7 midway through the second quarter.

Not to pick on Chip Kelly and his men, but it’s conceivable that UCLA could post a winless record in 2020.

I showcased a Utah vs. UCLA prediction in my best college football bets column. Nothing has changed over the last 48 hours to make me want to jump ship.

In fact, the more I study the Bruins defense, the better I feel about the Utes taking care of business.

To make you feel better about a Utah vs. UCLA pick, know that the Utes were a reliable 9-5 against the spread in 2019. On the other hand, the Bruins were just 4-7-1 ATS and lost outright as a 6.5-point favorite last weekend.

Interested in additional college football predictions and betting picks?