by Jack Chambers for Wannamakeabet.com
The upcoming college football matchup between the UCLA Bruins and the Ohio State Buckeyes on November 15, 2025, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, presents a compelling contrast in team trajectories. With kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM UTC, this game offers bettors a unique opportunity to analyze and capitalize on the disparities between these two programs.
Team Analysis
UCLA Bruins Season Overview and Recent Form
The UCLA Bruins enter this game with a 3-6 record, including a 3-3 mark in Big Ten play. Their season has been marked by inconsistency, highlighted by a 28-21 loss to Nebraska in their most recent outing. In that game, quarterback Nico Iamaleava showcased his dual-threat capabilities, throwing for 191 yards and two touchdowns while adding 86 rushing yards. However, Iamaleava sustained a concussion during the contest and will be sidelined for this matchup. Redshirt sophomore Luke Duncan, who has yet to attempt a collegiate pass, is set to make his first start under center.
Ohio State Buckeyes Season Overview and Recent Form
The Ohio State Buckeyes, currently undefeated at 9-0 and 6-0 in Big Ten play, have demonstrated dominance throughout the season. Their most recent victory was a 34-10 triumph over the Purdue Boilermakers, underscoring their offensive prowess and defensive resilience. The Buckeyes’ defense has been particularly formidable, leading the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 7.2 points per game, and total defense, surrendering only 211.6 yards per game.
Key Matchup Factors
Head-to-Head History
Historically, the Bruins and Buckeyes have faced each other nine times, with each team securing four wins and one tie. The most recent encounter occurred on September 22, 2001, when UCLA edged out Ohio State with a 13-6 victory at the Rose Bowl.
Important Player Matchups
With Iamaleava out, the spotlight shifts to Luke Duncan, who will face a formidable Ohio State defense in his first collegiate start. The Buckeyes’ defensive line, known for its aggressive pass rush, will likely test Duncan’s poise and decision-making under pressure. On the offensive side, Ohio State’s quarterback Will Howard has been instrumental in their success, throwing for 231 yards and two touchdowns in the championship game against Notre Dame.
Injuries and News
The most significant injury impacting this game is UCLA’s quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who will miss the matchup due to a concussion sustained against Nebraska. His absence places additional pressure on the Bruins’ offense, which has already struggled to find consistency this season.
Home/Away Performance Trends
Ohio State has been dominant at home, boasting a 5-1 record against the spread in their last six home games. Conversely, UCLA has faced challenges on the road, with a 3-6 record against the spread this season.
Betting Analysis
Point Spread Analysis
Ohio State enters as a 31.5-point favorite, reflecting their superior record and the absence of UCLA’s starting quarterback. Given the Buckeyes’ offensive firepower and the Bruins’ struggles, especially without Iamaleava, Ohio State is well-positioned to cover the spread.
Moneyline Analysis
The moneyline heavily favors Ohio State, with odds of -9091, indicating a 98.9% chance of victory. UCLA’s odds are +2075, suggesting a 4.6% chance of an upset. While upsets are rare in such mismatches, the significant odds reflect the disparity between the two teams.
Total (Over/Under) Analysis
The over/under is set at 47.5 points. Considering Ohio State’s high-scoring offense and the potential for UCLA to score in garbage time, the over appears to be a reasonable bet. However, bettors should monitor any late-breaking news or changes in team dynamics that could influence scoring.
Value Betting Opportunities
Given the large point spread, alternative betting options such as prop bets on individual player performances or team-specific statistics may offer value. For instance, betting on Ohio State’s defense to record multiple sacks or for Will Howard to throw for over a certain number of yards could provide favorable returns.
Prediction
Considering the current form, injuries, and historical context, Ohio State is poised to secure a decisive victory over UCLA. The absence of Iamaleava significantly hampers the Bruins’ offensive capabilities, while the Buckeyes’ defense is likely to exploit this weakness. A projected final score of Ohio State 40, UCLA 6 reflects this anticipated outcome.
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