Fresno State (6-5, 4-3 MWC) travels to the Rose Bowl to take on UCLA ( 4-7, 3-6 Big 10) in non-conference action on Saturday, November 30th.
This game kicks off at 3:30 PM ET and can be seen live on Big Ten Network.
UCLA is listed as a 9.5-point favorite in the contest, with a total set at 46.5.
This is an exciting finale for both teams. Fresno State is coming off an inspiring home win last week against Colorado State, while UCLA is off a crushing defeat at the hands of cross-town rival USC.
I am interested in seeing how UCLA shows up in this situation. We somewhat expected this team to quit early in the season after losing five in a row, but the Bruins have done anything but quit, as this team is buying into the coaching staff and vision for the program.
Read on for our Fresno State vs UCLA predictions and college football picks.
Fresno State vs UCLA Prediction
- Fresno State vs. UCLA Pick: Fresno State +8.5
My Fresno State vs. UCLA best bet is on the Bulldogs to cover the spread, with the best line currently available at bet365, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Fresno State vs UCLA Odds
| Fresno State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+8.5 -110 | 46.5 -110 / -110 | +265 |
| UCLA Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-8.5 -110 | 46.5 -110 / -110 | -330 |
- Fresno State vs UCLA Point Spread: Fresno State +8.5 (-110) · UCLA -8.5 (-110)
- Fresno State vs UCLA Total: Over/Under 46.5
- Fresno State vs UCLA Moneyline: Fresno State +265 · UCLA -330
Fresno State vs UCLA Preview
Fresno State Bulldogs Betting Preview
Fresno State took money in the markets all week because a win could potentially land interim head coach Tim Skipper the full-time gig.
The Bulldogs dominated last week's game against Colorado State, with the offense building a 28-7 halftime lead while the defense made key second-half stops in the win.
I imagine we get a fired-up Fresno State squad in this spot as they continue to play hard for Skipper and get a chance to play against a Power Four opponent.
UCLA Bruins Betting Preview
UCLA has played excellent football over the last five weeks despite losing its past two games.
The Bruins were the better team last week against USC despite the tough loss. The defense is trending up.
I'm unsure how UCLA will respond on Saturday. For what it's worth, the Bruins are just 1-8 ATS the week after playing USC in the past nine years.
Fresno State vs UCLA
Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Fresno State and UCLA match up statistically:
Fresno State Offense vs. UCLA Defense
 | Offense |  Defense |  Edge |
| Rush Success | 120 | 87 | |
| Line Yards | 119 | 47 | |
| Pass Success | 68 | 92 | |
| Havoc | 63 | 44 | |
| Finishing Drives | 86 | 121 | |
| Quality Drives | 86 | 118 | |
UCLA Offense vs. Fresno State Defense
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 129 | 99 | |
| Line Yards | 129 | 69 | |
| Pass Success | 56 | 12 | |
| Havoc | 92 | 73 | |
| Finishing Drives | 126 | 59 | |
| Quality Drives | 49 | 56 | |
Pace of Play / Other
| | |
| PFF Tackling | 84 | 60 |
| PFF Coverage | 58 | 66 |
| Special Teams SP+ | 93 | 74 |
| Middle 8 | 51 | 22 |
| Seconds per Play | 26.9 (58) | 30.4 (129) |
| Rush Rate | 49% (105) | 46% (120) |
Fresno State vs UCLA Pick & Prediction
I'm betting on Fresno State.
The Bulldogs have an awesome run defense that should shut down a lifeless UCLA rushing attack.
The Bruins offensive line has struggled to protect Ethan Garbers, who has been sacked 31 times this season. Meanwhile, Fresno State has a super underrated secondary who could force Garbers into key mistakes.
UCLA's red-zone offense has been brutal this year, scoring touchdowns on just 12 of 32 possessions inside the 20-yard line. Meanwhile, Fresno State's defense has held up well with its back against the wall.
Also, I'm struggling to find why UCLA will give its "max" effort on Saturday. The Bruins have a history of laying down the week after playing USC, they're not fighting for bowl eligibility, and they're a bad football team despite squeaking out three close wins in the middle of the season.
Fresno State played motivated football last week against Colorado State, and I expect more of the same with Coach Skipper's job on the line.
Pick: Fresno State +8.5
Fresno State vs UCLA Start Time, Channel, Streaming, How To Watch
| Location: | Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA |
| Date: | Saturday, Nov. 30 |
| Kickoff Time: | 3:30 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | Big Ten Network |
Fresno State vs. UCLA will be played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Saturday, Nov. 30, at 3:30 p.m. ET. The game can be streamed live on the Big Ten Network.
