The historic career of Dorian Thompson-Robinson has one final dance, and the Pittsburgh vs. UCLA prediction is indicative of that. Who has the biggest advantage, and what can we expect from DTR in his last outing as a Bruin?
Pittsburgh vs. UCLA Betting Preview
- Spread
UCLA (-7.5) - Moneyline
UCLA (-295); Pitt (+245) - Over/Under
54 points - Game time
2 p.m. - Location
Sun Bowl, El Paso, TX - Predicted weather
58 degrees, sunny, 10-15 mph winds - How to watch
CBS, fuboTV
As with most bowl games, it’s important to figure out who is actually playing. In the case of the Sun Bowl, Pittsburgh’s roster is very depleted, while reports of UCLA’s team nearing “full strength” have intensified since both programs got to El Paso.
That means DTR and UCLA RB Zach Charbonnet are “on track” to play, according to head coach Chip Kelly. That’s great news for the Bruins, who are looking to send DTR out a winner, and they have a major advantage over Pitt.
Prediction for Pittsburgh vs. UCLA
The Panthers are down a sizeable amount of their major contributors against UCLA. Not to mention a handful of defensive stars, defensive end Habakkuk Baldonado and WR Jared Wayne have yet to make their decisions public on whether or not they’ll play.
UCLA holds a distinct advantage as the majority of their opt-outs and transfer portal athletes were not major components of their team this season. Nicholas Barr-Mira entered the transfer portal, and kicking could be an issue for the Bruins. But that would all be for not if DTR is the QB, as he gives them a chance to win any game.
MORE: 2022 All-Pac-12 College Football Team and Individual Honors
DTR has been around for a half-decade in LA, throwing for 86 career passing touchdowns. He had a career year in 2022 as he put it all together in his final two seasons for the Bruins. He’ll be a factor in the 2023 NFL Draft, and the lead-up to April’s event as his place at the Shrine Bowl is indicative of that.
When it comes to the Sun Bowl, DTR is the most experienced player, by a mile, on either roster. And specifically at the quarterback position as Pitt’s starter this season — Kedon Slovis — has already announced his decision to sign with BYU from the transfer portal.
Long-time Pitt backup QB Nick Patti will get the start — his second-straight bowl game start for Pitt. Last season, Patti started in place of Kenny Pickett but was limited to just five pass attempts before his day ended prematurely.
Patti has thrown just four touchdowns in his four-year career with Pittsburgh and will absolutely be in a tough challenge against UCLA’s defense. The underneath portion of the field is patrolled by the terrific linebacking duo of JonJon Vaughns and Darius Muasau.
In fact, Muasau, the Hawaii transfer, may be one of the more underrated players playing in any bowl game this offseason. He can blitz, stuff the run, and cover with elite coverage skills. He’s a player to watch for Patti and the rest of the nation who watches this game.
It all won’t matter much if DTR goes, as he’ll put a final exclamation mark on an illustrious career.
Prediction: UCLA 35, Pitt 17
