UCLA vs Tennessee Odds - Bruins offense won’t match points with Vols

The UCLA vs Tennessee odds matchup is a revenge game from last year, and the Vols are ready to repay the debt. Online betting fans recall that UCLA dumped Tennessee 27-24 last year and the Vols will be ready to repay the favor at Rocky Top. While UCLA’s offense is still finding its feet, the Vols unit is running well. That will be the difference this week.

UCLA vs Tennessee odds: Tennessee -8

• WHAT: NCAA Football betting
  
• WHEN: Saturday, September 12th – 4:00 PM ET
  
• WHERE: Neyland Stadium – Knoxville, TN
  
• PICK: Tennessee -8

UCLA vs Tennessee odds maker breakdown: What’s On The Line
The Bruins looked fairly good in their opener last week and by all accounts, they are a team on the rise in the Pac 10 and the sportsbook. Their defense is ready to hold up its end of the bargain but the offense is still a work in progress.

For Tennessee, this game is another must win for Lane Kiffin and company. It’s too early in the era to start losing key home games. This is a winnable game for Tennessee and it will be their first major test under Kiffin. Last week’s stomping of Western Kentucky didn’t count.

Betting Edge: Tennessee

UCLA vs Tennessee odds maker breakdown: Offense
The UCLA offense looked capable last weekend, which is more than can be said for last year’s team. Derrick Coleman’s 29-yard touchdown run was the team’s longest since 2007. Also, quarterback Kevin Prince looked competent in his first start in nearly two years. Overall, the Bruins are better on offense but they don’t have a ton of playmakers just yet.

The Volunteers put on an offensive clinic on Western Kentucky, which isn’t always saying much. Even so, they still rolled up 657 yards, 34 first downs and 63 points. Quarterback Jonathan Crompton, who is criticized regularly, looked good in the new offense, while running back Bryce Brown looks like a stud. This is a team that should score with regularity this season and they will again on Saturday, even against a good UCLA defense.

Betting Edge: Tennessee

UCLA vs Tennessee odds maker breakdown: Defense
The Bruins defense has a stud at every level, but some concerns at cornerback were exposed against San Diego State. There are some real concerns opposite of starters Alterraun Verner. The Bruins defense is solid and stocked with playmakers, but they did give up some big plays to San Diego State, which is an ominous sign.

NCAA football betting cappers should be impressed with Tennessee’s defense, which held Western Kentucky to just 83 yards on 46 plays in the opener. Granted, it is Western Kentucky, but it’s good to see that the Vols defense hasn’t diminished much. Western Kentucky had -21 yards of offense after its first 19 plays.

Betting Edge: Even

UCLA vs Tennessee odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
The Bruins will be even thinner at cornerback this week as redshirt freshman Aaron Hester suffered a cracked fibula and will be out for a few weeks.

Betting Edge: Tennessee

UCLA vs Tennessee State betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
NCAA football betting fans should remember that this is a revenge game. Also, this is the first big game in the Lane Kiffin era at Rocky Top, so the Vols will be focused. On top of that, they are the better team overall. Their offense is significantly better in this contest while the defenses are fairly even. Based on that, stick with the Vols as they rack up the score on the checkerboard for a second straight week.

BLAKE’S PICK: Tennessee

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Tony Bryant was a three-sport star in high school, but his specialty was the gridiron, where he was a standout cornerback and kick returner. After numerous knee injuries in his freshman year, Bryant hung up the pads and turned to the handicapping game, where he was a five-star recruit for many sportsbooks. You’ll find Bryant in front of multiple TVs every Saturday, until “Rivalry Week” when he makes his annual pilgrimage to the Florida-Florida State game.