From SoFi Stadium in Inglewood California, the LA Bowl will take place on Saturday. This game will feature two programs hungry to grab a win to finish the season. The UCLA Bruins, who will come from just down the road, will take on the upstart Boise State Broncos.
The UCLA Bruins come into the game with a 7-5 record. In their final season as members of the Pac-12 conference, the Bruins lost their season finale at home to the California Golden Bears. The Bruins went 1-3 in the final month of the season. For Boise State, it was a rocky season that ended well. The Broncos are looking to win their fifth straight game after beating UNLV in the Mountain West Conference title game. Boise State is 8-5 on the season.
The UCLA Bruins are favorites in this game. They certainly should have a home field advantage in this game, coming from down the road. Boise State will travel well, but are the underdogs here. The UCLA Bruins are -3.5, with the total listed at 49.5 points.
Finale for Bruins
One name that we will not see in this game for the Bruins is star defensive lineman Laiatu Latu. He will forgo the rest of his season and enter the NFL Draft. He wrapped up the season with a team high 13 sacks.
The Bruins also are unsure of the status of quarterback Ethan Garbers. He and Dante Moore both had time under center, and neither raised their game over the other. Garbers at least had 9 touchdowns to three interceptions. He hurt his forearm in the loss to California to end the season.
Carson Steele is also questionable for the Bruins. He was the top running back for the Bruins, with 847 yards. If he does not play, TJ Harden will get more of an opportunity. Harden had some solid games this season for the Bruins.
Boise State Broncos
The Boise State Broncos were known for their ability to run the football this season. Once they got the ball going on the ground, this team was tough to slow down. Ashton Jeanty, the top running back for 2023 has committed to coming back next year, and should play in this game. Jeanty had 1,262 yards and 14 touchdowns.
George Holani also had a nice season for the Broncos. He will play his final college football game in this one. He played 32 games for the Broncos and rushed for 17 touchdowns in his career.
Taylen Green was the starting quarterback for Boise State, but he will move on to Arkansas. That leaves the quarterback spot in question. It appears freshman CJ Tiller will get his first start under center here. If he can take care of the ball and get the ball to his running backs, he will be fine. Spencer Danielson was hired as the new head coach for Boise State, and will be coaching in this game.
Broncos over Bruins
The motivation for this game is certainly in question. The UCLA Bruins likely have more guys with hopes or interest in the National Football League. Those guys either may not be motivated or not play, or on the other side of that, maybe ball out. But, generally, we see a bunch of new guys in bowl games.
Look for the Boise State Broncos to keep their momentum of the second half of the season and carry it through with a win here. The Broncos have a new coaching staff heading in for 2024, and this is a good way to head into the off-season. Take Boise State +3.5 over UCLA.
