College Football Week 1 Predictions: Will Texas A&M cover vs. UCLA? 9/3/17
Will Texas A&M cover the point spread tonight as a small road underdog when it visits UCLA?
The Matchup: Texas A&M vs. UCLA, 7:30PM ET, Rose Bowl
According to oddsmakers, the Bruins are 4.5-point home favorites to knock off the visiting Aggies tonight. As for the total, the number currently sits at 58.5 points. UCLA had opened as a 3.5-point favorite before the line was bet up. The over/under, meanwhile, hit the board at 58 before jumping to 58.5.
Texas A&M Aggies
Kevin Sumlin heads into his sixth year with the Aggies. He’s 44-21 at A&M, which is coming off an 8-5 season in 2016. The Aggies are projected to win between 7-8 wins this upcoming season.
As far as strengths, A&M has a dynamic set of defensive tackles and experienced safeties. Offensively, the Aggies’ running game is solid, but the passing game is being rebuilt. There’s inexperience at both quarterback and wide receiver.
UCLA Bruins
The Bruins are 41-24 the past five years under Jim Mora, who is entering his fifth season in Pasadena. After finishing 4-8 last season, the Bruins are projected to win at least six games and be bowl eligible.
Josh Rosen returns for his junior season after an injury-plagued 2016. He’ll have a seasoned receiving corps at his disposal, as well as a new offensive coordinator in Jedd Fisch that gets the most out of a passing game.
That said, UCLA’s running game could be weak again, which would drag the offense down. There’s experience there, but questions remain.
Our Prediction
The Aggies are a perfect 5-0 against the spread in their last five games played in the month of September. They often start hot under Sumlin before skidding in the second half, and I don’t expect things to change for 2017.
As for the Bruins, they’re 0-5 against the number in their last five non-conference games. They’re also winless at 0-4 against the spread in their last four games played in September and have been dreadful at home. They’re just 2-6 against the spread in their last eight games played in the Rose Bowl.
College Football Week 1 Prediction: Texas A&M Aggies +4.5
