#5 Oklahoma vs. UCLA preview: Hurts so good

UCLA came into the season with the most returning starters in the Pac-12, but the Bruins are off to a disappointing 0-2 start. With a spread this high, there’s little doubt= they will be 0-3 to start their season. But just because the winner of the game will likely not be in question, it doesn’t mean the winner with the spread isn’t up for grabs.

UCLA had high expectations entering 2019

This is a game that had a Game of the Year line of 13 points, as UCLA came into the season with much higher expectations than they’ve been able to live up to thus far. While Chip Kelly is generally thought to be an offensive guru, things have been a struggle with quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. UCLA’s first two opponents, Cincinnati and San Diego State, are not bad defenses, but I’m hesitant to call them elite, either.

Thompson-Robinson does not appear to be an elite passer, and while he has some athleticism, he lacks a home-run hitting accomplice in the backfield who can open up running lanes and make Kelly’s offense dangerous.

Oklahoma's defense has stepped up

Jalen Hurts has been tremendous in leading Oklahoma to a nation-best 710 yards per game. UCLA undoubtedly has talent, but unless that talent puts everything together out of nowhere, Hurts and OU should be able to score nearly at will.

Hurts so good

While I liked UCLA to keep this game close heading into the season, after seeing things the last two weeks, I like Hurts and OU to cover this large spread. UCLA's offense is not at the level needed to succeed consistently against a team of OU’s caliber. This is the type of game that could see OU score 30 points by halftime, and I want no part of a huge underdog needing the back door to remain open in order to cover. I’ll lay the points and count on Hurts and company to make this a blowout and never look back.

Pick: Oklahoma -23.5

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