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The UCLA Bruins will play the NC State Wolfpack in the Holiday Bowl on Tuesday. It's time continue our college football odds series with a UCLA-NC State Holiday Bowl prediction and pick.
UCLA and NC State will play in the Holiday on Tuesday in matchup between the Pac-12 and the ACC. The Bruins will look to end the season on a four-game win streak with a win over NC State in this one. NC State was won four of their last five and will be looking to end their season on a positive note as well. The Wolfpack come in as slight favorites vs. UCLA in this matchup between Power 5 foes.
Here is how FanDuel has set the UCLA-NC State odds for the Holiday Bowl.
College Football Odds: UCLA-NC State Holiday Bowl Odds
UCLA Bruins +2 (-105)
NC State Wolfpack -2 (-115)
Over 59.5 (-115)
Under 59.5 (-105)
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Why UCLA Could Cover The Spread
UCLA has been on a roll offensively to end their season, scoring 42 or more points in each of their last three games, which were all wins. The most notable of those games may be their 62-33 blowout of rival USC on Nov. 20. The Bruins went 8-4 this season under Chip Kelly, averaging 36.7 points per game. The Bruins racked up over 440 yards per game offensively this season while allowing 385 yards per game. Dorian Thompson-Robinson threw for 2409 yards and 21 touchdowns while running back Zach Charbonnet ran for 1137 yards and 13 touchdowns for UCLA this season. UCLA reportedly has some Covid concerns heading into this one and could be missing some key players but it's unclear who at this point.
UCLA vs. the spread
The Bruins were 8-4 this season vs. the spread and 4-1 against it as the away team, while this is obviously a game a neutral site. They covered in five of their last seven games and three straight to end their regular season.
Why NC State Could Cover The Spread
NC State is ranked No. 18 in the country and had a very fine season at 9-3. The Wolfpack won four of their last five games including a wild win over North Carolina in their final game of the season. NC State is led by quarterback Devin Leary, who through for 3433 yards and 35 touchdowns (to just five interceptions) this season. Emeka Emezie leads the Wolfpack with 60 catches for 802 yards and six touchdowns this season. The Wolfpack held opponents to just 331 yards per game and 207 passing yards per contest this season. If you take away tough matchups vs. Wake Forest and UNC's tough passing attacks, the numbers are even better. This could be a tough matchup as well though as the Bruins can sling the ball around as well.
NC State vs. the spread
NC State was 7-5 vs. the spread during the regular season and covered in four of their last seven games overall. The Wolfpack were 6-4 vs. the spread as favorites this season and should have a good chance to win and cover vs. UCLA in the Holiday Bowl.
Final UCLA-NC State Holiday Bowl Prediction and Pick
This may be a shootout type of game as both of these teams can light up the scoreboard offensively. These teams averaged a combined 69 points per game this season, so ride the over and hope for lots of points in this one. NC State does have a little bit more to offer in the defensive department, as they allowed just 207 passing yards per game this season, so they feel like the better pick to cover and win in this spot.
Final UCLA-NC State Holiday Bowl Prediction & Pick: NC State -2 (-115), Over 59.5 (-115)
