Arizona vs. California Pick
After a big win last week, is California due to for a letdown when it plays host to Arizona on Saturday at 8PM ET?
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, Arizona is favored on the road, as the Wildcats are getting odds of -3 points against Cal. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 61.5 points. Arizona has won three straight meetings in this series, but the Golden Bears have covered the spread in four straight against Arizona. The public is currently putting 69 percent of the wagers on Arizona on the road. Saturday’s game takes place from Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, California.
Arizona is coming off a 47-30 win over UCLA last week at home. The Wildcats are 4-2 on the season and 2-1 in the Pac-12 while posting a 4-2 record against the spread. They have covered in all four of their wins. The Wildcats are putting up 42.8 points and 514.5 yards per game on offense this season, including 342.3 rushing yards per contest. Khalil Tate is leading the way with 643 rushing yards and six touchdowns while also throwing for 343 yards. Brandon Dawkins has thrown for 670 yards and run for 358 yards and six scores. Dawkins is questionable to play on Saturday due to an undisclosed injury. Defensively is allowing 26.8 points and 410.7 yards per game.
Cal is coming off a 37-3 thrashing of Washington State at home last week to move to 4-3 on the season and 1-3 in the Pac-12. The Bears are now 4-3 against the spread. Cal is putting up 26.1 points and 348 yards per game on offense while allowing 26 points and 422.3 yards per contest. Ross Bowers has thrown for 1,696 yards and 10 touchdowns while also throwing eight interceptions. Vic Wharton III has 31 catches for 456 yards and three touchdowns while Patrick Laird has 400 rushing yards and four scores.
Cal looked great last weekend, but the Bears were able to get a ridiculous amount of turnovers in the win. I don’t see Arizona turning the ball over that much with its ground game. Cal is 6-13 against the spread in its last 19 conference games and 1-5 ATS in their last six games following a cover. I think Arizona’s run game will be able to control the tempo of the contest and lead the Wildcats to a victory.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREDICTION: ARIZONA -3