Washington vs UCLA Odds, Preview and College Football Betting Pick

• UCLA hosts Washington on Friday night of CFB week 5
• Huskies are road favorites in the Washington vs UCLA odds
• Get our best college football betting pick for this PAC12 matchup

We’ve got a treat on Friday night, with two undefeated PAC12 teams meeting up at one of college football’s most historic sites, the Rose Bowl. Both the Bruins and Huskies have looked excellent so far in 2022. With the betting total at 64.5 points in the Washington vs UCLA odds this matchup should provide plenty of fireworks.

Washington has certainly been a surprise so far this season. New head coach Kalen DeBoer has reunited with quarterback Michael Penix Jr and it’s provided immediate returns. Highlighted by a 39-28 win over Michigan State.

The Bruins avoided a week 3 scare against a quality South Alabama program, but otherwise haven’t faced much of a test yet in 2022. It feels like year 10 of Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Chip Kelly, so expectations are to compete for a PAC12 Championship and this is an essential win in order to do so.

Washington vs UCLA Odds

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook!

New York sports betting markets list Washington as road favorites in this one, they’ve been favorites in every game so far this season. Despite a 4-8 record during in 2021. The Huskies are 6-10 as road favorites since 2017, while the Bruins are 5-5 as home underdogs in that same span.

Bet $5 on any college football game and receive $200 in free-bets instantly at DraftKings Sportsbook!

Washington Road Favorite in Friday CFB Odds

The Washington offense has been one of the most electric in college football through the first four weeks, averaging 41.3 points and 502 yards per game. It all starts with Michael Penix, who’s completing 63.9% of his passes and throwing for 9.6 yards per attempt with 12 TD’s to just 1 INT. He’s spreading the ball out too, with four different pass catchers averaging over 40 yards per game.

Despite being in plenty of positive game scripts the Huskies are throwing the ball at a very high rate this season, their passing play percentage ranks 32nd in the country. Penix has been well protected too, they have the 13th lowest pressure rate allowed at just 15.3%. Expect the high volume passing offense to continue here in a competitive game script.

QB Michael Penix Jr with another deep ball completion 🚀 🎯

Came into the day with 11 completions on 20+ yard throws, leading CFB P5 pic.twitter.com/I2on5MwCed

— RanDynasty (@ran_dynasty) September 25, 2022

The defense had to say goodbye to some excellent parts in the secondary, as both Trent McDuffie and Kyler Gordon are now in the NFL. The front seven is the star of the show now, registering a 10.2% sack rate and the 9th best run defense allowing just 2.6 yards per carry. They’ve got plenty of depth up front to keep up with this UCLA offensive attack.

Can UCLA Make the Jump to PAC12 Contention?

The Bruins offense has also gotten off to a hot start, but you have to question whether it’s taken the next step with opponents like Bowling Green, Alabama State and Colorado. Nevertheless, UCLA is averaging 512 yards of offense and 41.8 points per game this season. The offense is balanced, slinging it well with Dorian Thompson-Robinson, while not afraid to go to the ground attack with Zach Charbonnet.

With DTR at the helm they don’t look to get very vertical in the pass game, similar to last season they rank outside the top-100 in intended air yards. Although this limits the chance for explosive plays against disciplined tackling teams, they are very efficient, completing 74.8% of their passes. If this team commits more to throwing the football, they can take advantage of an inexperienced Washington secondary.

Dug up some numbers while preparing for Friday night’s UCLA-Washington game…

Dorian Thompson-Robinson has a 152.3 passer rating in his last 13 nationally televised games. He has a 158.7 passer rating in his 10 career games vs. ranked opponents.

— Sam Connon (@SamConnon) September 28, 2022

UCLA’s defense is dealing with some major overhaul, returning just 57% of it’s production from the 2021 season. Getting some softer matchups to ease into the season has helped. There is some quality talent that was added from the portal in the front four, North Texas transfer Grayson Murphy already has 3.0 sacks on the season. But the PAC12’s worst pass defense from 2021 still has some work to do in the secondary.

Washington vs UCLA Betting Pick

There’s a lot to like about both of these programs this season, especially on the offensive side of the ball. The weaknesses I see for both sides is in the secondary. The Huskies lost NFL talent at corner and don’t look quite ready to replace it, having a PFF coverage grade that ranks 70th. They’ve also had far too many broken and missed tackles, ranking 90th in the nation. Not to mention, opponents are converting 48.9% of third downs against them.

I like Washington’s offensive line to hold up against the UCLA defensive front and be able to attack a secondary that is replacing both of it’s starting corners. The Huskies are 9th in intended air yards this season, DeBoer is not afraid to push the ball downfield and attack explosive plays.

What the Bruins lack in explosive plays they make up for in a very fast pace of play (24th) so expect plenty of possessions in this one. As a result, I’m taking the over in this game and it’s one that’s moved a few points upwards since opening so be sure to lock it in quickly. I’d play this up to 66.

Pick: WAS/UCLA O64.5 points (-110) at DraftKings Sportsbook