UCLA Bruins vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights Prediction, Odds and Picks for Tomorrow, 10/19/24

A promising 4-0 start for the Rutgers Scarlett Knights has now run across a hiccup in their season. They have lost their last two Big Ten Conference games against Nebraska and Wisconsin. While the Scarlett Knights were competitive against Nebraska, they got blown out at home last week 42-7 against Wisconsin. Rutgers offense has gone cold, only managing to score 14 points in their last two games combined. For the UCLA Bruins, life in the Big Ten has not been easy for the newcomers. They have already lost their first four games in the conference by a combined score of 124-54. UCLA’s last game was at home loss against the Minnesota Golden Gophers 21-17. The Bruins led the game 10-0 at half time but in the end proved to not be their night as the Gophers retook the lead with just 27 seconds remaining. The Bruins will have the opportunity to rebound against an unfamiliar opponent this Saturday. This will be the first ever meeting between Rutgers and UCLA.

Rutgers offense has been lethargic for the past two weeks and they have not seen their quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis throw for more than 200 yards in the past three weeks. Last weeks blowout loss at home was a bad loss for Rutgers, but this team has the potential to be a bowl contender. They need to get back and lean on what brought them success in the first four weeks. That would be their run game behind star running back Kyle Monangai. Monangai has run the ball for 739 yards and 7 touchdowns this season but has seen a decrease in rushing attempts in the past two weeks. If they can establish the run against UCLA, it can also open opportunities for Kaliakmanis. UCLA will be traveling across the country to play this game. A strong, pounding run game will be the last thing that they want to see. Even with UCLA playing the Gophers tough last week, they haven’t done enough for me to back them. Quarterback Ethan Garbers has thrown 9 interceptions to only 4 touchdowns so far this year. The Bruins run game leaves more to be desired. They only managed to run the ball for 36 yards on 26 attempts last week. I expect long drives from the Knights and then for the Bruins to give it right back through either a turnover or going three-and-out, tiring out the Bruins defense.

Rutgers -4.5 available at the time of publishing. Playable at that number.