Ucla Bruins vs Nebraska Cornhuskers Picks and Predictions November 8th 2025

Game Preview Nebraska @ UCLA

The Nebraska Cornhuskers head west to face the UCLA Bruins on Saturday in Pasadena, as freshman quarterback TJ Lateef prepares for his first career start under the lights at the Rose Bowl.

Nebraska’s 21–17 loss to USC last weekend came at a steep price. Starting QB Dylan Raiola suffered a broken fibula in the third quarter, sidelining the sophomore for the rest of the regular season. Coach Matt Rhule now turns to Lateef — a dynamic freshman who showed flashes earlier in the year — to guide a Cornhuskers team still chasing its first nine-win campaign since 2016.

Lateef completed 5 of 7 passes in relief against USC but struggled to move the offense against a tough Trojans defense. His mobility could become a key asset in Nebraska’s retooled game plan, which Rhule emphasized would be “comfortable and simplified” to fit the young QB’s strengths.

UCLA, meanwhile, enters with a 3–5 record but has shown improvement under interim coach Tim Skipper. Since DeShaun Foster’s firing in mid-September, the Bruins have gone 3–2, including wins over Penn State, Michigan State, and Maryland. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava leads the offense with 10 touchdown passes and three rushing scores, though the unit struggled mightily in a 56–6 loss to No. 2 Indiana before their bye week.

With both teams seeking a rebound, Saturday’s matchup serves as a test of resilience — and for Nebraska, a preview of the program’s potential future under center.

Odds and Key Information

Nebraska remains a narrow favorite despite the quarterback change, with oddsmakers expecting a close, defensive contest.

Key Betting Line	Value
Spread	Nebraska -2.5 (-110)
Moneyline	Nebraska -135 / UCLA +115
Total	46.5 O/U
Venue	Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
Time	Saturday, November 8, 2025 — 8:00 PM ET (FOX)

Check updated numbers and movement at the college football odds board.

Nebraska Outlook

Nebraska’s offense now revolves around TJ Lateef’s dual-threat potential. While limited against USC, Lateef previously excelled in nonconference blowouts, completing 11-of-12 passes for 254 yards and a touchdown, plus one rushing score. Expect more designed quarterback runs and play-action concepts tailored to his mobility.

The Cornhuskers’ running game, led by Rahmir Johnson and Gabe Ervin Jr., must step up to relieve pressure from their young signal-caller. Nebraska averages 167 rushing yards per game and ranks in the top 40 nationally in time of possession — key stats for controlling tempo on the road.

Defensively, Nebraska remains stout. The unit allows just 18.6 points per game and ranks 15th nationally in yards per play allowed (4.7). Linebacker MJ Sherman and safety Isaac Gifford anchor a front seven that thrives on gap control and tackling discipline.

Still, the Raiola injury introduces volatility. Nebraska has averaged 29 points per game with him under center but may lean heavier on its defense in the coming weeks.

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UCLA Outlook

Since Nico Iamaleava took over full-time at quarterback, UCLA’s offense has evolved into a balanced, tempo-based attack. During their three-game winning streak earlier this season, the Bruins averaged 33.3 points per contest — up nearly 20 points from the season’s first month.

Iamaleava’s arm strength and scrambling ability make him a dangerous dual threat. Running backs T.J. Harden and Anthony Adkins provide complementary inside power and outside speed, giving UCLA a balanced rushing attack that averages 4.8 yards per carry.

Defensively, the Bruins are inconsistent but opportunistic. They’ve forced eight turnovers in their last four games but also gave up 56 points to Indiana before the bye. Skipper’s defensive adjustments during the off week should focus on tackling fundamentals and limiting explosive plays.

Playing at the Rose Bowl could provide a much-needed spark for a team that has quietly covered the spread in four of its last six home games against ranked or favored opponents.

Key Matchup Table

Category	Edge
Quarterback Experience	UCLA (Iamaleava)
Rushing Offense	Nebraska
Passing Offense	UCLA
Defensive Efficiency	Nebraska
Coaching Stability	Nebraska

Nebraska’s defensive front versus UCLA’s balanced offense will likely determine who controls the pace.

Betting Trends

• Nebraska is 6–3 ATS this season, including 4–1 ATS in its last five games against Pac-12/Big Ten crossover opponents.
• The Cornhuskers are 5–1 straight up when rushing for 150+ yards.
• UCLA is 4–2 ATS in its last six games overall and 3–1 ATS as a home underdog under Skipper.
• The under has hit in six of Nebraska’s last eight road games.

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Prediction

This matchup sets up as a defensive battle shaped by quarterback play. Nebraska’s freshman TJ Lateef has promise, but his inexperience — combined with UCLA’s improved defensive pressure — makes this a dangerous spot for the Cornhuskers on the road.

Expect Nebraska’s defense to keep it close, but UCLA’s home field and quarterback stability give the Bruins a slight edge down the stretch.

Projected Score: UCLA 23, Nebraska 20
Spread Pick: UCLA +2.5
Total Lean: Under 46.5

UCLA’s energy after the bye and Nebraska’s transition at quarterback tilt this one toward the Bruins, who are built to capitalize on inexperience and chaos.

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