Indiana heads West to take on UCLA, and we have the Indiana vs. UCLA betting preview, prediction, and best bets for Week 3.
The Indiana Hoosiers and UCLA Bruins meet for a Week 3 Big Ten matchup at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. Indiana comes in riding high after a dominant 77-3 victory over Western Illinois, while UCLA squeaked past Hawaii in Week 1 with a 16-13 win.
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti has infused his aggressive defensive approach and brought in several transfers from James Madison, but this will be the Hoosiers’ first real test. On the other side, UCLA is led by new head coach and Bruins legend DeShaun Foster, who brought in longtime NFL offensive mastermind Eric Bieniemy to run the offense.
Indiana vs. UCLA Betting Preview
All Indiana vs. UCLA odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Wednesday, Sept. 11.
- Spread
Indiana -3
- Moneyline
Indiana -160, UCLA +130
- Over/Under
46.5
- Game time
7:30 p.m. ET
- Location
Rose Bowl | Pasadena, Calif.
- How to Watch
NBC
UCLA opened as +1.5 home underdogs, but that line has since moved to a full field goal, reflecting increased confidence in Indiana. The moneyline has followed suit, with UCLA originally opening at -105 but now sitting at +130 as home underdogs.
The total has seen even more drastic movement. Initially set at 52.5, it has dropped to 46.5 and may approach 45 before kickoff, suggesting expectations for a lower-scoring affair.
Prediction for Indiana vs. UCLA
Washington transfer Ethan Garbers threw for 272 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions while adding 47 rushing yards in UCLA’s narrow 16-13 win over Hawaii. Despite the turnovers, Garbers showcased his dual-threat ability, contributing both on the ground and through the air.
However, UCLA must control the ball against Indiana’s stout defense, making Garbers a risky DFS play as the Bruins may emphasize the run game.
In their last game, Indiana dominated Western Illinois, outgaining them 703-121 and forcing three turnovers in a 77-3 blowout. Kurtis Rourke led the Hoosiers’ offense with 268 passing yards and two touchdowns, while Justice Ellison shined on the ground, rushing for 117 yards and two touchdowns on just nine carries.
I expect this matchup to be a hard-fought, smashmouth defensive battle.
UCLA enters the game off a bye following an underwhelming Week 1 performance against Hawaii, where the Rainbow Warriors’ defense disrupted the Bruins’ offense. Hawaii forced two interceptions, logged six tackles for loss, and stuffed nearly half of UCLA’s rushing attempts.
If Hawaii’s front seven could create that much pressure, Indiana’s defense could dominate even more. Head coach DeShaun Foster and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy planned to emphasize the run game this season, but falling behind early against Hawaii forced UCLA to rely more on the pass. If they face a similar scenario against Indiana, it could spell trouble for the Bruins.
I believed in Curt Cignetti’s defense at James Madison, and I think that same defensive intensity has followed him to Bloomington. While UCLA presents a more formidable challenge than Indiana’s first two opponents, I think the Hoosiers will put the Big Ten on notice in Week 3 with another standout defensive showing.
The Prediction: Indiana 23, UCLA 16
Best Bet: Indiana ML -160
