UCLA Bruins at Oregon Ducks 2010 NCAAF Week 8 Odds, Preview, and Predictions: Head football coach Chip Kelly will have his No. 1 Oregon Ducks ready to play more than ever now that they hold the Top Spot in our Power Top 25 when the UCLA Bruins travel up the coast to Autzen Stadium in Eugene on Thursday night at 9:00 PM ET on ESPN. The Ducks are 6-0 and ranked No. 1 for the first time this season but UCLA even at 3-3 is a dangerous team that can beat any other on any given day in the PAC 10, or country for that matter, just ask Texas. When asked about the ranking coach Kelly said, “Awesome,” he said, tongue in cheek. “I’m fired up.” “What I’m really fired up about, to be honest with you, is 49 days from today. That is the only time it counts. On December 5th, if you’re 1 or 2, it’s really relevant. Today, it’s obviously an honor for these guys. But 49 days from today, we’ll be jumping up and down, jumping around, doing all the stuff.” — Oregon coach Chip Kelly, in the Oregonian, talking about his team’s No. 1 ranking on Sunday. Vegas odds makers have the Oregon Ducks a -21 1/2 point favorite at home against the UCLA Bruins.
The Ducks are coming off a bye but prior had a Pac 10 win on the road 43-23 against Washington State to remain unbeaten and move to 3-2 against the spread. Quarterback Darron Thomas was 8 for 12 for 153 yards and a touchdown before sitting out with a sore shoulder and quarterback Nate Costa filled in with a good outing completing 13 for 15 for 151 yards and a touchdown. Thomas is rested and expected to start on Thursday night. Running back LaMichael James carried 25 times for 136 yards and 2 touchdowns. Oregon is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing UCLA. Vegas odds makers have the Oregon Ducks +300 odds to win the 2011 BCS National Championship.
The Bruins needed the bye week to regroup after a 35-7 beat down by Cal to fall to 3-3 on the season. Quarterback Kevin Prince completed just 13 of 31 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown hitting Christian Ramirez with a 6 yard touchdown strike but also throwing a pick and getting sacked 5 times. The total has gone UNDER in 5 of UCLA’s last 6 games when playing Oregon. Odds makers at BetUS have the over/under for the total score at 61 points combined of the UCLA Bruins and Oregon Ducks.
I predict an Oregon win! Note: Rich Fritz is a Blog Writer on NSAwins.com and not a pro handicapper. For expert College Football Predictions against the vegas spreads please visit the NSAwins.com homepage for top predictions today from the National Sports Advisors.