The Indiana Hoosiers and UCLA Bruins clash in a Week 3 Big Ten matchup at the Rose Bowl. Indiana comes off a dominant 77-3 win over Western Illinois, while UCLA narrowly defeated Hawaii 16-13 in Week 1.
Hoosiers’ head coach Curt Cignetti brings an aggressive defense and several James Madison transfers for their first real test. UCLA, led by new head coach DeShaun Foster and offensive guru Eric Bieniemy, aims to build momentum in this conference showdown.
Here’s who has the advantage in our full Indiana vs. UCLA Prediction.
Indiana vs. UCLA Betting Preview
All Indiana vs. UCLA odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Saturday, Sept. 14.
- Spread
Indiana -3.5 - Moneyline
Indiana -175, UCLA +145 - Over/Under
47 - Game time
7:30 p.m. ET - Location
Rose Bowl | Pasadena, Calif. - Predicted Weather at Kick
80 degrees, Partly Cloudy - How to Watch
NBC
UCLA opened as +1.5 home dogs, and that number has since climbed past a full field goal. The moneyline has crept up with the spread as UCLA originally opened at -105 and now sits as a +145 home dog.
The total has seen drastically more movement. It initially opened at 52.5 and plummeted to 46.5, before ultimately leveling off at 47.
Prediction for Indiana vs. UCLA
There’s still uncertainty surrounding what UCLA will become this season. Washington transfer Ethan Garbers threw for 272 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, adding 47 rushing yards in UCLA’s narrow 16-13 win over Hawaii. Despite the turnovers, Garbers showed his dual-threat ability, contributing both through the air and on the ground.
However, against a tough Indiana defense, UCLA will likely need to control the ball, suggesting the Bruins may focus more on their ground attack.
In their last game, the Hoosiers dominated Western Illinois, outgaining them 703-121 and forcing three turnovers in a commanding 77-3 win. Quarterback Kurtis Rourke led the offense with 268 passing yards and two touchdowns, while Justice Ellison shined on the ground with 117 yards and two touchdowns on just nine carries.
While both teams have shown promise, questions remain about how they will perform against stronger competition, making this matchup a true test for both sides.
In my opinion, this one will be a smashmouth defensive battle.
The Bruins are coming off a bye week following a less-than-impressive Week 1 performance against Hawaii. The Rainbow Warriors’ defense made life difficult for UCLA, generating two interceptions and six tackles for loss while stuffing nearly half of the Bruins’ rushing attempts.
If Hawaii could create problems up front for the Bruins, then the Hoosiers might dominate on the defensive side of the ball.
Foster and Bieniemy had planned to emphasize the run game in 2024. Still, with Hawaii taking the lead, UCLA was forced to play from behind and put the ball in the air. If that happens on Saturday, the Bruins are in trouble.
I was in on Cignetti’s hype at James Madison, and I believe that defensive hype has followed him to Bloomington. Of course, UCLA presents a more significant test than IU’s first two opponents, but Indiana puts the Big Ten on notice in Week 3 with another dominant defensive performance.
The Prediction: Indiana 23, UCLA 16
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