As Week 6 of the 2025 college football season kicks off, the Penn State Nittany Lions prepare to take on the UCLA Bruins at the iconic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. This Saturday afternoon game, scheduled for 3:30 PM, will be broadcast on CBS. The Nittany Lions, ranked #7 in the AP Poll, enter the game with a 3-1 record. The Bruins, on the other hand, are still searching for their first win of the season with an 0-4 record. Despite their challenges, playing on their home field may provide UCLA with an opportunity to reset and make a statement. Both teams are part of the Big Ten Conference, adding an extra layer of competition to this matchup. Recent performances reveal contrasting trends for the two teams. Penn State looks to rebound from a recent 30-24 home loss against the Oregon Ducks, while UCLA narrowly fell to Northwestern with a 17-14 score in their most recent outing. The Nittany Lions are strong favorites, reflected by the -2915 moneyline, compared to UCLA’s +1266.
UCLA vs Penn State At a Glance
- Game Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 3:30 PM
- Location: Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA
- TV Channel: CBS
- Weather: Outdoor game at the Rose Bowl
- Current Odds: Penn State is heavily favored with a moneyline of -2915
- Penn State Rank: AP #7, Coaches Poll #6
UCLA Bruins: A Season of Challenge and Opportunity
Offensive Struggles
The UCLA Bruins’ offense has faced significant challenges this season, ranking 92nd in points scored with just 57. Their passing game is currently 104th with 788 yards, which highlights a need for more aerial productivity. The rushing attack is also looking to improve, sitting at 109th with 497 yards.
First downs have been a silver lining for UCLA, as they rank 52nd in this category with 74, suggesting the team is capable of moving the chains despite offensive struggles. Their ability to convert on crucial downs might offer a foundation to build upon.
Defensive Highlights
Defensively, the Bruins have shown some strength, particularly in sacks where they rank 17th nationally with four. Interceptions have been elusive, with the Bruins yet to record one this season. They have excelled in fumble recoveries, ranking 5th with two recoveries, which indicates an opportunistic defense.
However, they have allowed 125 points against, ranking them 88th in this regard. Improving their defensive resilience will be key in turning their season around and providing more opportunities for their offense.
Recent Game Analysis
In their recent game against Northwestern, UCLA narrowly lost 17-14. The Bruins managed 180 passing yards compared to Northwestern’s 115 but fell short in rushing with 131 yards against 199. Despite a strong defensive effort with no interceptions thrown, they couldn’t secure the win.
Against New Mexico, the Bruins struggled significantly, losing 35-10. Their rushing defense was particularly tested, allowing 298 yards on the ground, which compounded their offensive inefficiencies.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, UCLA will be hosting the Penn State Nittany Lions at the Rose Bowl. As 25.5-point underdogs, they face a daunting task against a formidable opponent.
Following that, they will travel to Michigan State, another tough opponent, requiring a strong performance from both their offense and defense to change the narrative of their season.
Team Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: 18-6 (75.0%) over the last 24 games.
- ATS – Away Games: 16-9 (64.0%) over the last 25 games.
- SU – After Win: 15-9 (62.5%) over the last 24 games.
- ATS – As Underdog: 15-11 (57.7%) over the last 26 games.
- ATS – After Loss: 15-11 (57.7%) over the last 26 games.
Penn State Nittany Lions Gear Up for Showdown Against the UCLA Bruins
Offensive Overview
Penn State’s offense has been steady with 156 points scored this season, ranking them 28th nationally. Their passing game, led by quarterback Drew Allar, has accumulated 868 yards, placing them 88th in the country. The Nittany Lions’ ground attack has also contributed significantly with 720 rushing yards, ranking 70th.
Defensive Strengths
The Nittany Lions’ defense has been a strong point this season, allowing just 47 points, positioning them 20th in the nation. They have been effective at putting pressure on the quarterback with 9 sacks, which ranks them 12th. The team also excels at creating turnovers with 4 interceptions and 3 fumbles recovered, ranking 5th and 4th respectively.
Recent Game Performances
In their most recent outing, Penn State narrowly fell to the Oregon Ducks, 30-24, in a home game. Despite the loss, the team showed resilience, managing 137 passing yards and 139 rushing yards. Previously, the Nittany Lions secured a decisive 52-6 victory over the Villanova Wildcats, demonstrating their offensive potential.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Drew Allar is a critical component of Penn State’s offense, having thrown for 763 yards and 6 touchdowns. Running back Kaytron Allen leads the rushing attack with 327 yards and 4 touchdowns over four games. On the receiving end, Trebor Peña has been reliable with 15 receptions and 182 yards.
Special Teams Contribution
Ryan Barker has been a standout on special teams, successfully converting 10 field goals, ranking him 5th nationally. His consistency adds an extra dimension to Penn State’s scoring capability. Additionally, the team’s coverage units have been solid, limiting opponents’ return opportunities.
Betting Trends
- As Favorites: 29-1 in the last 30 games (96.7%).
- After Loss: Undefeated in last 9 games (100.0%).
- All Games: 25-5 in the last 30 games (83.3%).
- Totals ≥ 50: 25-5 in the last 30 games (83.3%).
- Away Games: 11-2 in the last 13 games (84.6%).
Injury Report
Penn State will have to navigate several injuries, with notable players like Kaden Saunders and Kaleb Artis listed as questionable. The Nittany Lions’ depth will be tested, especially in the defensive line with both Jordan Mayer and Mason Robinson uncertain. The team will need others to step up to maintain their defensive prowess.
Looking ahead, Penn State aims to bounce back from their recent setback and leverage their strengths to secure a victory against UCLA. The game promises to be a test of their capabilities on both sides of the ball as they continue their season journey.
UCLA vs Penn State Prediction: UCLA +25.5
Penn State has been impressive this season, with a 3-1 record and ranked 7th in the AP poll. Their offense has shown capability, scoring 156 points in 2025, but their road performance is yet to be tested. Meanwhile, their defense ranks well with only 47 points against, which is 20th in the nation.
On the other hand, UCLA has struggled with a winless record of 0-4. However, they have managed to cover the spread as underdogs in several games. This historical trend, alongside playing at home, gives UCLA a solid chance to cover the 25.5-point spread.
The betting odds have UCLA as a +25.5 underdog, which presents a favorable opportunity for bettors considering their recent performance trends as underdogs. Despite being outmatched on paper, UCLA’s tendency to perform better against the spread at home should not be underestimated.
Considering Penn State’s strong record and UCLA’s home field advantage, the projected score leans towards Penn State winning but not covering the spread. Look for a closer game than expected, with Penn State winning 31-10, but UCLA covering the spread.
- UCLA vs Penn State Prediction: UCLA +25.5
- UCLA vs Penn State Score: Penn State 31 – UCLA 10
