UCLA vs Stanford Odds - UCLA to knock Stanford off of Pac 10 pedestal

The UCLA vs Stanford odds presents a matchup of the two Pac 10 up-and-comers in what will be a matchup of strength on strength. Online betting fans will see the Stanford power running game - led by Toby Gerhart - go right at the teeth of UCLA’s tough defense. Stanford has been flying high to this point but look for them to stumble in their biggest challenge to date.

UCLA vs Stanford odds: Stanford -6

• WHAT: NCAA Football betting
  
• WHEN: Saturday, October 3rd – 3:30 PM ET
  
• WHERE: Stanford Stadium – Stanford, CA
  
• PICK: UCLA +6

UCLA vs Stanford odds maker breakdown: What’s On The Line
It hasn’t been pretty for Rick Neuheisel and UCLA (3-0, 0-0) but they are getting the job done. Off a bye week, they’ll be looking to make a big statement against the team that’s first in the Pac 10. UCLA has had three good wins this year and another one this week will give them the signature one they are looking for.

Similarly, Stanford is looking for credibility. A win at Wake Forest a couple of weeks back would have given them that, but they’ll have to try again this week. The Cardinal are supposed to be climbing the ladder in the Pac 10 and they have to win a game like this if they are truly improving.

Betting Edge: Even

UCLA vs Stanford odds maker breakdown: Offense
UCLA has been very ugly on offense and will be again, especially without starting quarterback Kevin Prince. Kevin Craft looked good filling in last week and there really might not be much of a drop. UCLA just needs him to manage the game and avoid mistakes. They don’t light up the scoreboard but they take what they can and rely on a solid defense.

The Stanford offense is gaining a lot of credibility among NCAA football betting fans because of how well freshman quarterback Andrew Luck has played, and also because of Toby Gerhart, who may be the best running back in the Pac 10. It will be interesting to see what happens if a defense contains Gerhart for a week, leaving the Cardinal one-dimensional. The Cardinal have had 211 or more rushing yards in their three wins but had just 112 in their loss to Wake Forest.

Betting Edge: Stanford

UCLA vs Stanford odds maker breakdown: Defense
There is no question that the UCLA defense will be the better unit on the field. What will be interesting to see is if their ninth-rated run defense can shut down Gerhart and company. UCLA went to Rocky Top a couple of weeks ago and held Tennessee to just 2.61 yards per carry and left with a win. If they can slow down Gerhart, they’ll have an equal chance to win this contest.

Stanford has a decent defense but it’s nothing special. Their secondary in particular lacks athletes and they will have problems against speedy wide receivers. Those problems could arise as early as this week. The Cardinal haven’t really faced any dynamic offenses and they won’t again this week, but when they start playing some tough competition, this unit will get exposed.

Betting Edge: UCLA

UCLA vs Stanford odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
UCLA is healthy coming off a bye week and Stanford doesn’t have any significant injuries right now.

Betting Edge: Even

UCLA vs Stanford State betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
Sportsbook odds makers have UCLA as nearly a touchdown underdog in this game, but they have a very good chance to win outright. Their defense will shutdown the Cardinal running game and force the freshman Luck to win this game. UCLA is off a bye week, and with two weeks to prepare for a fairly straightforward team, they should be able to get their second big road win of the year.

TONY’S PICK: UCLA +6

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Tony Bryant is one of betonline.com's college football experts.