NCAAF Odds - UCLA Bruins at Kansas State Wildcats

The UCLA Bruins travel to face the Kansas State Wildcats in Week 1.

This one has the makings of an ugly, sloppy contest where special teams are the difference. Be prepared for an unconventional slugfest.

UCLA Bruins @ Kansas State Wildcats Matchup

Saturday - 12:30 PM PT

Sports betting odds: Kansas State minus two

Total: 44 ½

The UCLA Bruins Can Win Because...:

Rick Neuheisel has recruited plenty of talent and the general hope is that they are ready to break out. With cross-town rival USC struggling, there has never been a better time for the Bruins to take center stage.

Even after some key departures, the defense is still solid, in particular linebacker Akeem Ayers and free safety Rahim Moore who are both All-American candidates. Their job shouldn't be too tough as Kansas State is a one-trick pony. The Wildcats main offensive weapon is running back Daniel Thomas, who led the Big 12 in rushing last season, keep this in mind when making your college picks. He will line up in the Wildcat from time to time, but outside of him there aren't really any weapons that UCLA will have to worry about.

The Bruins offense isn't much better; they'll employ two quarterbacks, which really means they don't have one good one. It would be nice if Kevin Prince stepped up and took control of this offense but he's often injured - he's recovering from a slightly torn back muscle - and he hasn't been consistent in his career so far.

Where they'll have an edge is on special teams with kicker Kai Forbath and punter Jeff Locke. The Bruins will have a significant advantage in that area and given how sloppy this game might be, that might be the deciding factor.

Lastly, the Wildcats - and head coach Bill Snyder - love their junior college transfer. Snyder is a wizard at developing the jucos but the Bruins might be catching them at the right time: early in the season before much of that growth has taken place.

Top Sportsbook Betting Action at Bookmakers.com

The Kansas State Wildcats Can Win Because...:

Their identity is running the football and UCLA's defensive line is being rebuilt. Sure, they have some stars on defense, but they aren't on the line of scrimmage. Ayers is a stud but he's the only returning starter in the front seven.

The Wildcats averaged 179.2 rushing yards per game last season and Snyder loves to employ a run-first mentality. With UCLA boasting four new starters along the defensive line, you can be sure that they'll get a rude welcome.

Nobody would ever mistake the Wildcats for any of the more talented teams in the Big 12 but in this game, they'll have the best player on the field: Daniel Thomas. He'll play on Sundays when he's finished in college and the Bruins will get a first-hand taste as to why.

Key Stats:

-16 of the last 12 Bruins contests have stayed 'under' the NCAA betting total

-'under' is 4-0 in the Wildcats last four contest where the college betting line is between plus three and minus three

Outlook & Football Betting Prediction:

Last season's contest resulted in a 23-9 victory for UCLA. Expect a score line that is just as ugly this Saturday. With the contest being played in Manhattan, it will be a bit tighter but the Bruins will find a way to slow down Thomas and they'll kick an extra couple of field to win and cover.

NCAAF Pick: Bruins plus two