After dropping back-to-back games, will USC get off the mat on Saturday when it visits Cal at 4:00 p.m. ET? Or are the Golden Bears the better bet to cover in this USC vs. Cal matchup?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
169 USC Trojans (-10) at 170 Cal Golden Bears (+10); o/u 66.5
4:00 p.m. ET, Saturday, October 28, 2023
California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, CA
TV: Pac-12 Network
USC vs. Cal Public Betting Information
As of this writing, our CFB Public Betting page shows that 62% of bets are on USC. That said, this page is updated frequently so make sure that you click on the link provided so that you’re getting the most updated information.
USC Trojans Game Notes
Caleb Williams was 24-for-34 passing for 256 yards during Saturday’s 34-32 loss versus Utah. He also had 10 rushes for 27 yards with one touchdown. Although Williams found the end zone with his feet, he registered a goose egg in the passing TD category for the first time this season. Last year’s Heisman winner was held to under 200 yards last week against Stanford, and he showed his vulnerabilities again opposite a staunch Utah defense. Williams was sacked three times and hurried constantly but was better at evading big trouble in the backfield. Ultimately, USC’s defense once again failed to keep an offense in check. Williams and the offense couldn’t erase the deficit created by their defensive teammates.
Cal Golden Bears Game Notes
Fernando Mendoza was 10-for-17 passing for 149 yards, two touchdowns and one interception during Saturday’s 34-14 defeat to Utah. He also had seven rushes for 12 yards. The Bears did little through the air in the loss, relying on Jaydn Ott to supply most of the offense. Mendoza had a great first game as a starter, but the freshman is expected to struggle a bit as he gets more accustomed to the nuances of the offense. He’ll have a bye week with the playbook before taking on USC at home in two weeks.
USC vs. Cal Betting Trends
The over/under has gone OVER in 5 of Southern California’s last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Southern California’s last 5 games
California is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Southern California
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of California’s last 18 games when playing Southern California
USC vs. Cal Betting Prediction
Give me Cal. USC is finished. The Trojans had to hang on for dear life against Colorado the last weekend in September. It had to put together an epic comeback just to beat Arizona in overtime the first weekend in October. Then after walking those two tightropes, USC finally blew a tire in an ugly loss to Notre Dame, then couldn’t finish off Utah last week at home. They’re done. Cal hasn’t covered a spread in over a month but that should change today.
USC vs. Cal Prediction: CAL GOLDEN BEARS +10