UCLA vs. LSU Prediction, Odds, Preview: CFB Week 4 Tips | Sports Betting

Week 4 of the college football season offers many unique matchups, thanks largely to the newly formed Big Ten and Oklahoma making its SEC debut as host to Tennessee. It is indeed a new era of college football.

A non-conference game between UCLA (1-1) and LSU (2-1) on Saturday will barely be noticed in terms of random matchups. This is the second meeting of a home-and-home series that saw the Bruins post a 38-27 victory in 2021.

UCLA vs. LSU odds, picks, predictions

With UCLA now officially playing in a new league, Saturday's game will mark the first time a Big Ten team has visited Tiger Stadium since 1987, when LSU and Ohio State tied 13-13.

Of course, none of this reflects what will play out this weekend. LSU is expected to enter as a 23.5-point favorite with an over/under of 56.5.

Let’s take a look at the odds for the eagerly awaited duel:

UCLA Bruins (1-1) vs. LSU Tigers (2-1)

Time/TV: 2:30 p.m. CT (ESPN)

Spread (via BetMGM): LSU-23.5

In total: 56.5

Money line: LSU -2500, UCLA +1100

Analysis: It's always interesting to see how much has changed compared to the preview markets available in the summer. In June, Caesars had LSU as a 17.5-point favorite for this game.

The spread rose back to 22 earlier this week, reaching 25.5. However, it seems that the market has settled at around 23.5 and 24 for the difference between these two teams.

The Tigers haven't covered the spread since November 25th of last year and started this season 0-3 ATS. Last weekend, they beat South Carolina by three points as touchdown favorites.

In last week's win over the Gamecocks, the Tigers got their running game going a bit, running for 132 yards on 32 attempts, led by 98 yards from Caden Durham. That bodes well for an LSU offense that has relied too heavily on quarterback Garrett Nussmeier in the first few weeks.

With a more complete offense, LSU should have no trouble scoring points against UCLA's defense. But the Tigers' defense continues to struggle. They have allowed 21 or more points in all three games, including 33 against South Carolina last week. That's why the over has won two consecutive games.

That’s where I’m placing my favorite bet in this duel.

Forecast: LSU 42, UCLA 20 (Over 56.5)

Best bet: UCLA-LSU OVER 56 points (-112 at DraftKings Sportsbook)