#18 UCLA (9-3) tries to close out their season on a high note and reach double digit wins for the first time since 2014 when they play Pittsburgh (8-4) at the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl prediction in El Paso, TX. Pitt had a sound year too and finished strong with four straight wins, but they’ll be down a couple of key offensive components against the Bruins.
Before Betting on the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl
If both of these teams were full strength maybe the offshore sportsbooks would pin a lower number on this game, but with the Panthers being without starting QB Kedon Slovis who is transferring to BYU as well as RB Israel Abanikanda who is preparing for the NFL draft the Bruins have a huge edge here.
Abanikanda’s absence is a big one as he led the nation with 20 rushing TDs to go along with his 1,431 yards which is the 8th best in school history at a program that has featured the likes of Tony Dorsett, Craig Heyward, and Lesean McCoy. Backup Rodney Hammond, Jr. had just 366 yards on the season, 1/3 of that in one game with 124 yards against Syracuse.
While Pitt is without their starting QB and RB – as well as 4+ starters on defense – UCLA seems to only have a couple rotation players out. Somewhat surprisingly QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson (25 TD passes, 11 TD runs), RB Zach Charbonnet (1,359 yards, 14 TDs), and WR Jake Bobo (789 yards, 7 TDs) all look to be playing in the Sun Bowl prediction despite each likely headed to the NFL.
Pittsburgh vs UCLA NCAAF Offshore Betting Odds
| Offshore Sportsbook | Moneyline | Total | Spread |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetOnline | Pitt (3.45) | UCLA (1.34) | 54 | Pitt +8 (1.91) | UCLA -8 (1.91) |
| Bovada | Pitt (3.55) | UCLA (1.32) | 54.5 | Pitt +8 (1.91) | UCLA -8 (1.91) |
| BetUS | Pitt (3.35) | UCLA (1.35) | 54 | Pitt +8 (1.91) | UCLA -8 (1.91) |
| SportsBetting.ag | Pitt (3.45) | UCLA (1.34) | 54 | Pitt +8 (1.91) | UCLA -8 (1.91) |
| Pinnacle | Pitt (3.41) | UCLA (1.34) | 53.5 | Pitt +7.5 (1.94) | UCLA -7.5 (1.93) |
| MyBookie | Pitt (3.42) | UCLA (1.32) | 54 | Pitt +7.5 (1.91) | UCLA -7.5 (1.91) |
Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl Prediction & Pick
UCLA having their full complement of stars on offense while Pitt is missing two big playmakers on that side of the ball gives a huge edge to the Bruins – but even more underrated is the fact that the Panthers are missing a lot of key cogs on defense. This looks like UCLA by double digits.
Pick: UCLA -7.5
