The UCLA Bruins (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten) are set to host the Purdue Boilermakers (1-1, 0-0 Big Ten) for a Big Ten showdown at the Rose Bowl Saturday night in one of the final games of the day’s college football slate.
After a 3-9 season in 2025, UCLA is off to a much better start under first-year head coach Bob Chesney, who has helped lead the Bruins to a 45-24 win over California to open their 2026 campaign and a 28-10 victory against San Diego State in Week 2. However, the Bruins aren’t necessarily undefeated to begin the season because of the play of quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who has yet to throw a touchdown through the first two games and has thrown two interceptions.
Instead, it’s the run game that has helped lift UCLA to a 2-0 record, with running back Anthony Woods rushing for 118 yards and two touchdowns while averaging 14.8 yards per carry in Week 1 before fellow running back Wayne Knight scored three rushing touchdowns in Week 2 against San Diego State.
Purdue started the new season strong in Year 2 under head coach Barry Odom with a 44-19 win against Indiana State, with the offense totaling 523 yards and quarterback Ryan Browne passing for 317 yards and three touchdowns.
The offense put up 455 total yards in Week 2, but it wasn’t enough as the Boilermakers lost 38-36 in double overtime to Wake Forest after allowing 411 total yards of offense to the Demon Deacons. Running back Fame Ijeboi had a good game despite the loss, rushing for 114 yards and three touchdowns while also catching six passes for 42 yards.
Scroll down for Purdue vs. UCLA predictions, picks, and odds for Saturday night’s Big Ten clash in Pasadena.
Purdue vs. UCLA Odds
Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook lists UCLA as a significant home favorite against Purdue for Saturday night’s Week 3 matchup:
Purdue vs. UCLA Predictions
Saturday night’s game is one of the final chances to get in on the day’s Week 3 college football betting action at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook, so make sure to check it out and potentially make wagers like our Purdue vs. UCLA prediction below:
UCLA vs. Purdue Best Bet: Purdue +14.5 (-110)
UCLA may have won by 18 or more points in each of its first two games to start the season, but those victories didn’t come easy.
Outside of Nico Iamaleava not playing his best football, the Bruins allowed 410 yards of total offense in Week 1 and needed a 21-point fourth quarter to earn their win against California. While the Bruins allowed only 189 total yards to San Diego State last Saturday, including just 45 passing yards, UCLA was shut out in the first half before scoring a touchdown in the third quarter and then needing another 21-point fourth quarter to secure the win.
That trend may not fly Saturday night against a Purdue offense that has put up a ton of yards and is averaging 40 points per game so far this year. The Bruins must get into a rhythm early and put points on the board quickly to cover the spread and potentially even avoid an upset.
- UCLA vs. Purdue Spread Pick for Sept. 19: Purdue +14.5 (-110)
Purdue vs. UCLA Game Info
- đź“Ť Where: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
- đź“… Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
- ⏰ Kickoff: 11:00 PM ET
- đź“şđź’» TV/Streaming: Big Ten Network
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Referenced odds are subject to change.
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