UCLA Bruins vs Minnesota Golden Gophers Predictions

UCLA vs. Minnesota odds

UCLA is a 4-point road favorite, with a -185 moneyline. Minnesota is +154, and the total is 38.5 with the over at -115 and the under at -105. The spread offers a better price than UCLA’s moneyline.

Can Minnesota score enough to stay close?

The Minnesota Star Tribune reports that UCLA is 8-0 overall and 5-0 in the Big Ten. The Bruins average a conference-best 33.6 points in league games and allow a Big Ten-low 14.6. Minnesota is 5-3 and averages 17.8 points in conference play, which ranks 14th.

Minnesota scored one offensive touchdown in its 23-16 overtime loss at Indiana on Oct. 31. That recent performance makes taking four points difficult against the Big Ten’s top scoring defense.

UCLA has won three games with Ty Dieffenbach at quarterback since Nico Iamaleava suffered a season-ending leg injury. Dieffenbach has thrown for 683 yards, three touchdowns and one interception in those wins. Running back Wayne Knight adds 91.8 rushing yards per Big Ten game and has 988 all-purpose yards this season.

Availability report

Kickoff Status, an injury-report tracker citing the official Big Ten availability report, lists Iamaleava, receiver Mikey Matthews and defensive back Rodrick Pleasant out for UCLA. Offensive lineman Jordan Davis is probable, while receiver Brian Rowe Jr. is available.

Minnesota will be without running back Ryan Estrada, receiver Hayden Moore and offensive linemen Ashton Beers and Brett Carroll. Tight ends Julian Johnson and Pierce Walsh are doubtful. Those absences could further restrict an offense already averaging fewer than 18 points per conference game.

Prediction

UCLA’s advantages in conference scoring and scoring defense justify laying four points. The quarterback change lowers confidence, but Dieffenbach’s three wins as the starter show the Bruins haven’t stalled without Iamaleava.

Projected score: UCLA 24, Minnesota 13.