Two former Pac-12 conference mates collide at the Rose Bowl as the UCLA Bruins host the Utah Utes in Week 1.
Both teams finished 5-7 a year ago and could use a statement win in the opener to start 2025 on a positive note.
See why I’m taking the Utes to pull away with my Utah vs. UCLA predictions and college football picks for Saturday, August 30.
Utah vs UCLA prediction
Utah vs UCLA best bet: Utah -5.5 (-115)
There may be some fatigue with offseason chatter about the Utah Utes, given the sheer amount of bad injury luck they’ve had at quarterback lately, but don’t let that distract you from the fact that there’s a lot to like about this team. The defense was elite last year (fourth in success rate) and has been a staying factor with this staff, whereas the offense hopes for drastic improvement with a new scheme in town.
Offensive Jason Beck arrives from New Mexico along with his dual-threat quarterback, Devon Dampier. The two made waves with the Lobos last season, averaging 484.3 total yards per game on 6.9 yards per play. Dampier rushed for 1,166 yards and 19 touchdowns, and his familiarity with the scheme should keep the Utes on track in the opener against a UCLA Bruins defense that loses nine starters.
It’ll help that he’ll operate behind one of the best offensive lines in the country, led by a star duo at tackle, Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu. Compare that to a moribund UCLA offensive line protecting a wildcard quarterback transfer (Nico Iamaleava), and I know which offense I trust more in Week 1.
Utah vs UCLA same-game parlay
Devon Dampier found the end zone 19 times last season and is facing a UCLA front seven with a ton of attrition. The Utes will want to keep the ball on the ground as that’s where its strength lies offensively, and that’ll help keep the clock ticking and lead to an Under.
It’s hard to have much confidence in UCLA’s offense, given the continued issues in the trenches, combined with breaking in a new starting quarterback against a tough defense.
Our deep-ball SGP: Dampier double dips
- Why not? Dampier finding the end zone doesn’t conflict with playing the Under, as Utah’s entire offensive identity revolves around his ability to be effective with his legs, and there aren’t any other sure offensive bets in this game.
Utah vs UCLA odds
- Spread: Utah -5.5 | UCLA +5.5
- Moneyline: Utah -201 | UCLA +248
- Over/Under: Over 51 | Under 51
Utah vs UCLA trend to know
UCLA is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games as an underdog of less than a touchdown. Find more college football betting trends for Utah vs UCLA.
How to watch Utah vs UCLA
| Location | Rosel Bowl, Pasadena, CA |
| Date | Saturday, August 30, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 11:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FOX |
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