At the beginning, there was the expectation that Chip Kelly would replicate his Oregon success at UCLA. But Kelly and Bruin fans quickly discovered the changing landscape of the college football odds. Kelly himself said it best. The former Oregon coach admitted that his program was one of a kind over a decade ago. Specifically, Kelly’s Ducks had shiny and multiple wild uniforms and the offense to match it. Oregon stood apart from the crowd. Now, everyone has those things. The playing field has been equaled. But Kelly and the Bruins are slowly turning the corner.
2022 UCLA Bruins Future Market Analysis
| Prop | Odds |
|---|---|
| To win the National Championship | +14500 |
| To win the Pac-12 Championship | +1000 |
| Over/Under Win Total | 8 |
UCLA Bruins – SBG Betting Odds Analysis – Lukewarm But No Longer Cold
Last season Chip Kelly and the UCLA Bruins enjoyed a sports betting move up the charts. UCLA went 8-4 and mauled its LA rival USC 62-33. But a week-2 38-27 win over the SEC traditional power LSU Tigers was the real statement maker. Most important of all, UCLA got the money in eight out of their 12 games. UCLA does not have the unstoppable and ferocious offense of Kelly’s old Oregon teams. But the Bruins did rank 16th in the nation for scoring offense.
On the whole, Chip Kelly is not a recruiting machine at UCLA. He picks his spots and is careful about who he brings in. From the outside, Kelly has generated a lot of criticism for his recruiting. But a deeper dive shows that Kelly is building depth. And he has a strong mix of quality players.
Last year showed signs of progress with the win over a ranked SEC team and a historic thrashing of the crosstown rival Trojans.
UCLA Conclusion
Now comes the harder part for the Bruins and Kelly. UCLA must move from good to great and deliver a Pac-12 South title. Kelly was extended and raised for his 2021 results. Naturally, he understands the expectations. He has remade his defensive staff, intent on helping meet championship demands.
Correlate that the superstar quarterback is back. And the schedule is as easy as it has been in years. While the remaining Pac-12 teams are in transition. Gamblers ask if Kelly and seize the moment? Opportunity beckons.
Initially, it was believed that Dorian Thompson-Robinson was off to the NFL. But he shocked the College football betting odds world in announcing a return for a fifth year as the starter. DTR is a dynamic dual-threat. In like manner to Kelly’s best Oregon quarterbacks. And he has gotten progressively better each season. Thompson-Robinson is coming off All-Pac-12 honors after throwing for 2,409 yards and 21 touchdowns. UCLA had the highest scoring offense in the Pac-12. If Thompson-Robinson can take the next level, a Heisman Trophy could be in the conversation.
In conclusion, this will be Kelly’s best chance at a Pac-12 title. And with a move to the Big Ten coming in 2024, UCLA needs an improved brand.
2022 UCLA Bruins Schedule
- September 3: Bowling Green Falcons
- Sep 10: Alabama State Hornets
- September 17: South Alabama Jaguars
- Sep 24: at Colorado Buffaloes
- Sep 30: Washington Huskies
- October 8: Utah Utes
- Oct 15: OFF
- October 22: at Oregon Ducks
- Oct 29: Stanford Cardinal
- November 5: at Arizona State Sun Devils
- Nov 12: Arizona Wildcats
- November 19: USC Trojans
- Nov 25: at Cal Bears