Colorado vs UCLA prediction, odds, and picks - Oct. 28

Deion Sander's Colorado suffered a debacle in Week 7, as the Buffaloes unexpectedly fell 46-43 to the Stanford Cardinal in a turn of events few saw coming. The loss brings the Buffs record to 4-3, which is still a clear improvement over the 1-11 record of the 2022 season.

This week, they face their fourth ranked opponent of the season in the form of the No. 23 UCLA Bruins (5-2). The Bruins also suffered a defeat in Week 7, as they fell 36-34 to the now No. 11 Oregon State Beavers. UCLA quarterback Dante Moore had 165 passing yards, one touchdown pass and three interceptions in a mediocre performance.

However, in Week 8, while the Buffs had their open week, the Bruins defeated the Stanford Cardinal 42-7. The shaky performance against Oregon State cost Moore the starting position, and Ethan Garbers was named the starter for the first time since Week 1.

Garbers threw for 240 with two touchdown passes as the Bruins breezed past the Cardinal. Coach Chip Kelly has refused to name a starter for the Week 9 game and kept things cryptic, saying:

"And we're one of the fortunate teams in the country, we have depth at quarterback," Kelly said Monday. "I believe Ethan's a starter at the Power 5 level, Dante's a starter at the Power 5 level, and Collin Schlee's a starter at the Power 5 level, so that's a luxury that not a lot of people have."

The Buffaloes have only themselves to blame for Saturday's defeat, as they posted 17 penalties for a loss of 127 yards.

Shedeur Sanders had another very good game, with 400 passing yards, five touchdown passes and one interception. He was also their lead rusher, with 37 yards, demonstrating his newfound confidence running outside the pocket to counteract the lack of protection the O-line affords him. However, he was still sacked four times.

Travis Hunter returned to the action and was very good offensively, with 140 receiving yards and two touchdown receptions. However, he seemed rather frail on the defensive side of things, where he looked outmatched. The game's standout has to be Stanford wide receiver Elic Ayomanor, who recorded 294 receiving yards with three touchdown receptions.

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Colorado vs. UCLA Game Details

Fixture: Colorado (4-3) vs. No. 23 UCLA (5-2)

Date & Time: Saturday, Oct. 28, at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time

Location: Rose Bowl in Los Angeles, California.

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Colorado vs. UCLA Picks

This game is essential for the Buffs' bowl season expectations. They still have games against the Oregon State Beavers and the Utah Utes ahead, and also Washington State, a team that was ranked for long periods of the season.

This will be a good opportunity for Garbers to take hold of the starting QB spot for the UCLA Bruins.

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Colorado vs. UCLA Betting Odds

• Moneyline (ML): Buffaloes +610 (bet $100 to win $610) | Bruins -950 (bet $950 to win $100)
• Against the spread (ATS): Buffaloes +17.5 (-108) | Bruins -17.5 (-112)
• Over/Under (O/U): 63.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

(via Fan Duels)

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Colorado vs. UCLA head-to-head

The Bruins have a 13-5 all-time lead in matchups against Colorado. They tasted victory last year, 45-17.

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Prediction for the Week 9 Clash

The Bruins are 17.5-point favorites, and they should make good on this. The ranked school has the tools to overcome a Buffs side that imploded in Week 7.

UCLA 30-14 Colorado