UCLA vs. Penn State: Score prediction for college football Week 6 - Expert odds and picks for matchup

Joe Cox
Drew Allar and Penn State will face a struggling UCLA team on Saturday. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)
Drew Allar and Penn State will face a struggling UCLA team on Saturday (Image Credit: IMAGN)

No. 7 Penn State has opened the season 4-0 and is looking to keep momentum building for a potential College Football Playoff berth. A strong defense and solid play from QB Drew Allar could leave the Nittany Lions challenging Ohio State and Oregon atop the Big Ten. Meanwhile, UCLA is struggling at 1-3 but could turn their season with a big game at Happy Valley.

UCLA vs. Penn State: Score prediction for Week 6

James Franklin and Penn State look to stay in the CFP race against UCLA (Image Credit: IMAGN)
James Franklin and Penn State look to stay in the CFP race against UCLA (Image Credit: IMAGN)
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Penn State is averaging 36.6 points per game, but more impressively, has only allowed 11.5. PSU is holding opponents to 2.3 yards per carry, but is also in the top 20 in pass defense efficiency, allowing three passing TDs while recording four interceptions. Drew Allar is completing 71% of his passes, with an eight TD to one interception rate.

Meanwhile, the UCLA Bruins have been awful offensively, scoring just 14.8 ppg. The Bruins are averaging under 2.5 yards per carry and have thrown six interceptions against just three touchdowns. UCLA is connecting on just under 28% of its third-down opportunities. Furthermore, they're last in the conference in scoring offense, rushing offense and offensive yardage.

Score Prediction: Penn State 38, UCLA 10

UCLA vs. Penn State: Point Spread

Penn State is a 28.5-point favorite. Considering both the strength of the Nittany Lion defense and the punchless UCLA offense, the over-under of 46.5 seems pretty reasonable.

UCLA vs. Penn State Betting Tips

Penn State QB Drew Aller is expected to throw for just over 200 yards in the game. He's averaging 216 yards on the season. Aller passing for 212 yards is at -115 odds, while him reaching 225 yards is at +120. He's at +500 to reach 275 yards, which seems plausible given UCLA's troubles.

UCLA, on the other hand, isn't expected to score in double figures, with a UCLA over 9.5 total points bet at +105.

What time is the UCLA vs. Penn State game on?

The game is played at noon Eastern and will be broadcast on Fox. Fox's A-team of Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt will have the call, in front of one of the largest crowds of the day in Happy Valley.

Are you excited for this big Week 6 matchup? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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Edited by Veer Badani