UCLA is on an absolute tear. The Bruins are undefeated, flawless against the spread at 8-0, ranked #5 in the country, and generating plenty of playoff conversation. But all of that lends to the Bruins being overvalued and they are nonetheless spotting an underdog-conducive number of -5.5 on the road. Take note. That in itself makes the Gophers worth a look. But let's focus on UCLA for a moment. Their victories, include San Diego State, California, Maryland, Oregon without Dante Moore and with its offense struggling, Wisconsin in a rock fight in Pasadena, Michigan State, and Nevada. That's hardly a murderer's row. Minnesota, meanwhile gave Indiana all that it could handle and has knocked off Iowa and Michigan. Row The Boat also won on the road at Washington. Some of those victories might not look quite as impressive retrospectively, but the Gophers have demonstrated they can beat credible opposition. The difference here is perception.
UCLA is undefeated, flawless against the number, and sitting in the Top 5. That's an awful lot of appeal for a team whose schedule hasn't necessarily justified its lofty standing. Minnesota gets the Bruins at home, where the Gophers have an opportunity to expose that inflated reputation. I think this is where UCLA's unbeaten run ends. Had UCLA not had the shiny number next to their name, a spotless record, or been a broken ATM, I dare say they might be an underdog here. Row the boat.
UCLA Bruins vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers prediction: Minnesota +194 (ML) available at time of publishing. Playable to +180.
