LA Bowl Game 2023: UCLA vs. Boise State prediction, pick

Predictions for the 2023 LA Bowl between UCLA and Boise State as the College Football Bowl Season kicks off

The first day of College Football Bowl Season kicks off on Saturday with seven matchups on tap to begin the road to the national championship. As part of this opening weekend, we'll get the second all-time meeting between a pair of West Coast schools as UCLA heads across town to meet Boise State in the 2023 LA Bowl Game.

Both schools have received attention at the head coach position: UCLA, for some persistent rumors that Chip Kelly's job is in peril; and Boise State, after that school parted ways with Andy Avalos, only to win the Mountain West title under interim Spencer Danielson, who was rewarded with the permanent gig going forward.

UCLA vs. Boise State prediction, preview

When: Sat., Dec. 16
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern
TV: ABC network
Stream live: fuboTV (Try for free)

LA Bowl Game 2023 odds

Courtesy of SI Sportsbook

Line: UCLA -5.5
Total: 48.5 points
Moneyline: UCLA -225 | BSU +190
FPI pick: UCLA 58.2% to win

What to watch for

1. UCLA's departures. The Bruins' otherwise-talented defense will be without key personnel, including edge rusher Laiatu Latu, who led the nation with 21.5 tackles for loss and was 4th in sacks, but is opting out to prepare for the draft. Starting safety Kamari Ramsey and corner John Humphrey transferred out, and defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn is out after taking the same job at USC. Line coach Ikaika Malloe, who helped coordinate the strength of the defense, will oversee the unit in this game.

2. Battle at the line. But the Bruins' real strength defensively is against the run, ranking No. 1 in college football in that department. The unit allowed just four 100 yard rushing efforts from opponents and UCLA was 6-0 when keeping opponents to under 74 on the ground. Now it contends with Broncos back Ashton Jeanty, who eclipsed 100 yards in 6 games, amassing 1,262 yards and 14 touchdowns while posting 6.2 yards per attempt, and is expected to be the centerpiece of the team's offense.

3. Changes at QB. Taylen Green transferred to Arkansas shortly after the MWC title game, and it looks like Boise State will turn to freshman CJ Tiller for the bowl. He's played just two snaps this year, a handoff and a kneel-down. Likewise for UCLA, which lost coveted 5-star prospect Dante Moore to the portal, allowing Ethan Garbers to step in. Over 10 games, he hit 66.4% of his throws for 984 yards with 9 touchdowns and 3 interceptions.

LA Bowl Game prediction

UCLA is missing enough important pieces on defense to question, or outright doubt, whether the unit will perform to its standard, especially when lining up against the Broncos' capable rushing attack. But given the inexperience Boise has at quarterback, the offense could turn one-dimensional quickly in the face of the Bruins' front seven.

UCLA has the bodies up front to thwart Boise's attempts to control the ground game for four whole quarters, and the Bruins have the clear advantage at quarterback.

College Football HQ picks...

• UCLA wins 27-17
• Covers the spread
• And hits the under

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