The UCLA Bruins host the Washington Huskies for a Week 13 matchup on Saturday afternoon. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET in Los Angeles, California.
The Huskies are listed as 10.5-point road favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook, with the total set at O/U 51.5 points. Below is my full preview, prediction, and best bet for this matchup between these two Big Ten opponents.
Washington vs. UCLA prediction, preview
Washington Preview
The Huskies could be on the brink of a playoff berth with a win over Oregon next week, had it not been for an inexplicable loss to Wisconsin two weeks ago. Washington bounced back with a blowout win over Purdue, but this team is disappointed that it has nothing tangible to play for over the next two weeks. This team has not been the same on the road this season as it has been at home. They lost to a bad Wisconsin team on the road, got manhandled by Michigan on the road and needed a massive fourth-quarter comeback to defeat Maryland on the road earlier this season. Washington could struggle again in a flat road spot against UCLA this week. There is a decent chance that the Huskies are saving up to play spoiler against their rival Oregon Ducks next week at home.
UCLA Preview
UCLA has had a rollercoaster of a season. After a horrific start to the season that resulted in the firing of head coach DeShaun Foster, UCLA found a spark and won a couple of big games. However, the team has tailed off, losing three straight games ahead of this matchup. The Bruins have had a tough schedule during that stretch, having to face Ohio State and Indiana. Now, they have to face Washington and USC to end the season. UCLA is likely worn down after such an emotional season and could come out flat in these two final games.
Washington vs. UCLA pick, best bet
My best bet for this game is the under 51.5 points. This is a potential flat spot for both teams, which could lead to a messy game. If both teams turn the ball over and fail to run a sharp offense, it will turn into a field position battle quickly. The Huskies’ offense is also just not the same on the road. At home, they are averaging 40.5 points per game, compared to 25 PPG on the road. Washington has one of the best running backs in football, Jonah Coleman. He should be able to pick up chunks on the ground against a UCLA defense that ranks 136th in rushing success rate. This should be a run-heavy game from Washington, and the Huskies will be happy to just get out of town with a win. Meanwhile, it should be a tough game for the UCLA offense.
