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Tennessee v. UCLA Odds, Spread, Line & Football Picks

Written by Jimmy Boyd on August 29, 2008

18th ranked Tennessee heads to UCLA for a SEC vs. Pac-10 Labor Day showdown on Monday, September 1st at 8:00 EST on ESPN. Jimmy Boyd’s Tennessee/UCLA betting preview provides an in depth look at the college football odds for both sides. The betting line is -7.5 in favor of Tennessee at JustBet Sportsbook.

The Vols struggled on the road all season long in 2007. A loss in the season opener seemed to foreshadow what was to come. We will learn very quickly if those road struggles are going to continue in 2008. Tennessee went 9-4 last season to win the SEC East division and defeated Wisconsin 21-17 in the Outback Bowl to earn a No. 12 ranking in the final AP poll. While the Vols were just one win away from a BCS bowl, they missed out on any chance to play for a BCS title because of their road deficiencies. Tennessee lost at Cal 45-31 in last year’s season opener and was then killed at Florida two weeks later. The Vols finished the 2007 season just 2-4 outside of Knoxville. It was their most road losses since losing four in 1981.

It was the defense which did not hold up on its end of the bargain on the road last year. The Vols allowed an average of 39.5 ppg and 483.5 ypg on the road compared to 18.3 ppg and 342.6 ypg at home. The Vols know they must be better in 2008, even to finish 3rd in the SEC East, where they have been picked behind Georgia and Florida. After opening at the Rose Bowl, where UCLA has won five of its last six games against ranked opponents, Tennessee plays its next road contest at 10th ranked Auburn, and its third road game of the season will be at top ranked Georgia.

Tennessee’s offense will have a new face this season with Jonathan Crompton taking over for the departed Erik Ainge at QB under new offensive coordinator Dave Clawson. Crompton will have the luxury of beginning his career as Tennessee starter behind five returning offensive linemen. This bulky unit allowed only four sacks all of last year. The running game is expected to be utilized even more with senior Arian Foster, who rushed for 1,193 yards and 12 touchdowns a year ago. You can bet the Volunteers at -7 to cover the spread at The Pig Sportsbook.

The UCLA Bruins will be taking the field under new head coach Rick Neuheisel. The former UCLA QB takes over for Karl Dorrell, who was fired following a disappointing 6-7 campaign when hopes were high. Neuheisel has also brought in offensive mastermind Norm Chow to take over coordinator duties. The new coaching staff has already experienced its first hurdles. Projected starting QB Patrick Cowan went down with a knee injury in spring practice and will miss the season. UCLA fans got a heavy dose of déjà vu when QB Ben Olson then hurt his foot August 9th. He will sidelined for two months. Now, UCLA’s early season success will depend on how well third-string QB Kevin Craft performs. The juco transfer does have some starting experience, having started five games at San Diego State in 2006.

UCLA will have its work cut out for itself early on as the Bruins follow up their opener with ranked Tennessee at 16th ranked BYU. Neuheisel remains confident that his team will find a way to surprise its opponents. The best way for that to happen is for UCLA’s defense to be every bit as good as it was last season when the Bruins ranked 29th nationally in both points and yards allowed. If you think UCLA can take advantage of Tennessee road struggles, bet the Bruins at +7.5 at Bookmaker Sportsbook.

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