{"id":25116,"date":"2023-12-15T09:28:52","date_gmt":"2023-12-15T14:28:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/?p=25116"},"modified":"2023-12-15T21:01:41","modified_gmt":"2023-12-16T02:01:41","slug":"la-bowl-best-bets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/college-football-bowl-games\/la-bowl-best-bets\/","title":{"rendered":"Boise State vs UCLA Predictions: LA Bowl Best Bets, Picks – College Football 12\/16"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

LA Bowl Preview & Free Picks: Boise State vs. UCLA Best Bets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Football content contributor Ron Marmalefsky<\/a> offers his tips on theLA Bowl being played on December 16th, between Boise State and UCLA. What are his takeaways and things to watch from a betting perspective? Read below now!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boise made a coaching change during the season and excelled down the stretch going 4-0, which included a Mountain West title game victory.  UCLA showed amazing improvement defensively but their prolific run game regressed mid-season after a spectacular start.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both teams are dealing with coaching and player turnover.  This is a weird one to handicap, as UCLA stays in its own backyard, playing close to home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find free college football best bets<\/a> and bowl game coverage<\/a> this postseason. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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LA Bowl Picks and Best Bets: Boise State Preview <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Boise turned to QB Green almost exclusively down the stretch, but both Green and QB Madison helped the offense score 30 or more points in ten of their final eleven games, with the other game resulting in a 27-19 victory over Air Force.  Boise\u2019s rush ratio was 5.45-4.15, and the yardage differential was 219-132.  Boise has two very experienced RB\u2019s, and both are playing (thus far) in this bowl game.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Air Force\u2019s run defense is really good, and Boise was \u201cheld\u201d to 37-184 in that game.  UCLA\u2019s run defense is even better, and who wins this battle may help decide the game.  The bigger issue now becomes the pass game.  While Green was not a prolific passer, he showed improved accuracy and the ability to escape the pocket and buy time.  Both Green and Madison are OUT for this game.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new QB will never have taken a snap for the Broncos.  My take is that this puts tremendous pressure on Boise\u2019s defense to overperform.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Boise State Defensive Numbers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For the season they allowed 25 points per game, but the unit was better down the stretch.  The run defense was acceptable but weaker than in 2022.  The pass defense was definitely weaker, coming in at 60% (51% in 2022).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I project UCLA to exceed 60% in this game.  Boise boasts a 36-14 sack ratio.  Will pass protection be compromised with the raw QB?  I\u2019ll discuss UCLA\u2019s sack ratio and situation below.  Kicking was solid at 21-24 but some parts of the return game are below standard and could be of concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LA Bowl Best Bets And Betting Advice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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