UCLA Favored to Beat Deion Sanders, Colorado in Week 9

What: Colorado vs UCLA - CFB Week 9
When: Saturday, October 28th, 7:30 PM ET
Where: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA

After a bye week, Colorado football is back at it in Week 9 as they hit the road to face the #23 UCLA Bruins in Pac-12 action at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET. Colorado sits at 4-3 on the season and will be looking to bounce from a disappointing overtime loss to Stanford in Week 7 where they blew a 29-0 lead. Deion Sanders is surely expecting a much better performance from his squad. UCLA meanwhile, who are 5-2, just thrashed that same Stanford team by a score of 42-7. Certainly understandable why the Bruins are a big favorite in Online college football betting. Continue reading for the Colorado vs UCLA picks.

Before we get into the odds and analysis as to who could come out on top this Saturday, make sure to check out our reviews of the top online sportsbooks.

Colorado vs UCLA Odds

Team
Colorado	+580	+575	+550
UCLA	-800	-900	-800

UCLA is clearly expected to win this one. They have odds as steep as -900. Colorado sits around +580 at most sportsbooks. The Bruins are also laying 17.5 points on the spread and have covered in two straight meetings. The total is set at 62.5. UCLA beat the Buffaloes 45-17 in their 2022 meeting.

Another Tough Task For The Buffaloes

It's safe to say Colorado has been the talk of the nation for most of the year, much in part to Deion Sanders. He's come in and absolutely transformed this program, leading them to a 3-0 record out of the gate with wins over TCU, Nebraska, and Colorado State. But, the Buffaloes then hit a very tough patch in their schedule and were quickly humbled. Oregon absolutely destroyed CU before another loss to USC, although the Buffs did give Caleb Williams and Co. a serious run for their money.

Week 7 looked to be a convincing win with Colorado having a massive lead. However, like most of the season, the defense was awful and the offense wasn't much better in the second half. The Buffaloes were outscored 36-7 in the final two periods, which led to two overtimes. Stanford ultimately pulled off the improbable comeback, handing Colorado their third loss in the last four games. Primetime was absolutely furious and voiced his displeasure. With a week off, this squad will be fired up to come out and prove something against UCLA.

QB Shedeur Sanders is the clear star in Boulder, completing 72% of his passes for 2,420 yards, 21 touchdowns, and just three interceptions. Sanders has played so well that he's even been getting some first-round buzz for the 2024 NFL Draft. He's the No. 1 reason Colorado ranks 3rd in the nation in passing yards. Expect the Buffaloes to focus on their pass game considering the Bruins defense is allowing over 200 yards per game through the air.

UCLA Will be Confident

UCLA just absolutely hammered Stanford after they upset Colorado. While that doesn't mean they will beat the Buffaloes, there's certainly a good chance. Chip Kelly's team is fundamentally sound on both sides of the ball, ranking 16th in total yards, 21st in rushing yards, and top 50 in the nation in points. On the defensive side of the ball, the unit is allowing a mere 14.9 points per contest and allowing only 68.6 yards rushing per game. Absolutely phenomenal. The thing is, Colorado's damage comes downfield so the pass defense will need to pipe down and try to limit Sanders' production.

The quarterback situation for the Bruins is a bit of a mixed bag, with Dante Moore and Ethan Garbers both seeing playing time. While Moore was the one starting mostly, Garbers took over versus Stanford and played quite well. He completed 20 of 28 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns. With Moore struggling as of late, Garbers could be under center again. Carson Steele was a beast on the ground, rushing for three touchdowns on 3.8 yards per carry. TJ Harden also did damage in the UCLA backfield.

The offense shouldn't have any issues scoring points this weekend. After all, Colorado has yet to show they can be an average defensive team at minimum. It will simply come down to the Bruins slowing down Sanders and his weapons out wide. As seen by his numbers, he is a playmaker. UCLA contains Shedeur, they win this one easily.

Colorado vs UCLA Picks

Colorado is a solid team, but in my opinion, they're not at UCLA's level yet. I expect the Bruins to win this one at home and move to 6-2 in the process. With the moneyline offering little value, take the spread.

UCLA spread Vs Colorado

-17.5 (-110)

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