UCLA vs. Washington Showdown: Can the Bruins Take Down the Mighty Huskies? Expert Prediction and Betting Breakdown for 2024 Week 12
The 2024 Week 12 of the college football season features an electrifying Pac-12 matchup between the UCLA Bruins (7-3) and the No. 4 ranked Washington Huskies (10-0). On Saturday, the Bruins will travel to Seattle to face the Huskies at the legendary Husky Stadium, where Washington has a near-perfect record. For both teams, this game will be pivotal in their respective quests for dominance in the Pac-12, with the stakes high for both national rankings and postseason positioning.
Fans and bettors alike have been excited for this game as it once again puts the Huskies’ high-powered offense on display against a Bruins defense that has shown resilience throughout the season. Washington has been the shining star of the conference, but UCLA is no underdog in this rivalry matchup—and that’s exactly what makes this one so intriguing for football fans looking to get the edge in betting this weekend.
Breaking Down the Odds and Spread
Currently, the Huskies are favored by 9.5 points, according to the latest odds from SportsLine’s proven projection model that has been incredibly accurate with its picks in the past. UCLA will be entering this game as the clear underdog with something to prove, not only to their coaching staff but also to their fans, while Washington aims to continue their path to an undefeated season.
- Spread: Washington -9.5
- Over/Under: 64.5 points
- Moneyline: UCLA +295, Washington -390
In a game poised to be high-scoring with a lot of fireworks, those who follow college football know betting against Washington this season has been a risky venture. But with big rivals, anything can happen—so let’s dive deeper into why the experts believe this game could go either way.
What to Expect from UCLA
It has been a roller-coaster ride for the UCLA Bruins this season, but with a 7-3 record, they are having a solid season by most standards, with much thanks to standout performances from their defense. They’ve managed impressive wins over ranked opponents and displayed a tenacious approach to every game. Their biggest strength lies in their defense, which is ranked in the top-15 nationwide in multiple defensive categories, including total yards allowed per game.
Led by a unit proficient in getting to the quarterback and forcing turnovers, UCLA’s defense will need to be nearly flawless if they want to slow down Washington. Quarterback containment will be key as they face Washington’s explosive QB who has shredded defenses all season.
On the offensive side of the ball, UCLA’s quarterback Ethan Garbers has been able to move the chains effectively, but they are going to need their star running back T.J. Harden to put up big numbers to keep the Washington defense honest. Harden can be a major X-factor in this contest if he gets going early with his powerful ground-game approach and ability to break through an opponent’s front line.
Washington’s Quest for an Undefeated Season
Meanwhile, the No. 4 ranked Washington Huskies have simply been superb this year, boasting a 10-0 record and consistently proving why they belong among the nation’s top teams. The mastermind behind Washington’s success has been quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who is having a season for the ages. He leads one of the most potent offenses, ranked in the top 5 nationally in both total offense and points per game.
Washington’s high-octane offense, averaging an eye-popping 44 points per game, will meet one of its biggest tests of the season against a stellar UCLA defense. But Washington isn’t just about offense. Their defense has been opportunistic, forcing turnovers at crucial moments and stalling opposing teams in the red zone.
With a playoff berth inevitably on the line, the Huskies know that every play, every drive, and every point counts in their pursuit of an unbeaten season. But don’t expect the Huskies to take their foot off the gas in this showdown.
A Battle Between Strengths: Washington’s Offense vs. UCLA’s Defense
The real battle when these teams meet will be between Washington’s high-powered offense and UCLA’s incredibly resilient defense. It’s one of those contests that football enthusiasts can only dream of: explosive offenses meeting a near-impenetrable defense.
Some key matchups to watch include how UCLA’s defensive front handles Washington’s veteran offensive line. If the Bruins show they can disrupt Washington’s rhythm, this will throw Penix and the Huskies slightly off-balance. On the flip side, can UCLA find success in slowing down Washington’s star receivers, Rome Odunze and Jalen McMillan? Both wide receivers have collectively topped over 1,700 yards this season, establishing themselves as dangerous threats down the field.
This game will come down to how well each team can execute their strengths. Will Washington use their offensive firepower to simply outpace UCLA, or will the Bruins’ defense cause critical mistakes that can shift the momentum in their favor?
Pick from The Proven Model
Given the current odds and betting lines, it’s no surprise that the SportsLine Projection Model sees this contest having huge potential for different outcomes. Over the past few seasons, the model has been spot-on when analyzing matchups like this, where one team could upset the expected favorite. According to SportsLine, the model has nailed more than 56% of its picks in similar circumstances, and it’s predicting this game will finish under 64.5 total points—a key number for bettors looking to wager on the Over/Under.
The model also sees value on UCLA covering the 9.5-point spread, as well as the potential for a much tighter game than the first look at the odds might suggest. Although Washington has dominated thus far, UCLA’s defense has a reputation for making life difficult for highly-ranked opponents, and if they can slow the Washington offense even a little bit, those 9.5 points could be enormous.
Final Thoughts and Predictions
It’s certainly set to be a must-watch game. On one hand, Washington looks like an unstoppable powerhouse with their sights set on bigger things, but on the other, there’s no doubt UCLA can cause some drama and disrupt the Huskies. With both teams playing for something substantive, this clash has all the ingredients for a Pac-12 classic.
Bettors are already keeping a close eye on this matchup, knowing that this game might swing the balance for the final standings and postseason aspirations. Will Washington stay unbeaten? Will UCLA play spoiler and shock the world? Only time will tell—but one thing’s for sure—this game is going to be one for the books.
If you’re still looking for that last-minute edge on your bet, the expert SportsLine projection is leaning strongly toward UCLA’s chances to cover, pointing out that a lower-scoring game might be on the horizon.
Where to Watch the Game and Key Info
For those wanting to catch this exciting Pac-12 bout, be sure to tune in on Saturday, November 18th, kicking off at 9:30 PM ET on ABC. The atmosphere in Seattle is guaranteed to be electric, and it’s a game you won’t want to miss.
Want to make sure you don’t miss this action-packed game? Check your local listings or stream it live through your favorite sports streaming apps. Whether you’re tuning in as a devoted Huskies fan or wearing the blue-and-gold of UCLA, get ready for an intense showdown—it’s going to be a wild one!
Originally Written by: Scout Staff
