Are the CalBears Ready for a Statement Game?

Published on 29-Sep-2018 by Sportbet Staff

Football - NCAA    NCAA Football Daily Stake

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Are the CalBears Ready for a Statement Game?

Just when it looked like the Oregon Ducks had put their act back together, the Stanford game happened.

Their high-octane offense seemed to have refueled under new head coach Mario Cristobal, they had a healthy Justin Herbert at the controls, and they've finally prioritized linemen with a premium on strength as well as quickness.

But a soft early-season schedule didn't really prepare them for the Cardinal, a team they just couldn't shake and then lost in the bake.

 

Some would say Oregon may have improved their physicality, but they got forced into mistakes at key moments because it's still not at the level of other Pac-12 North foes like the Cardinal, Washington Huskies, and ... the California Golden Bears.

Bovada has the Ducks -2 against the spread and the total at 58.

Why bet on Oregon ...

The Ducks are 3-1 after that overtime loss to Stanford last week. The irony is they dominated the stat sheet:

  • They outgained the Cardinal 524-398 in total yards,
  • They out-rushed Stanford 178-71, and
  • They held a 36-to-24 advantage in time of possession.

All they need to do is become more consistent.

 

Why bet on California ...

The Golden Bears are off to a 3-0 start against non-cons that are much more impressive than Oregon's were. In fact, one of them was a 21-18 victory at BYU the week before the Cougars went to Madison and stuffed the Wisconsin Badgers.

Defense is winning games for them. Cal's second in the nation with seven interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. This is no surprise, as head coach Justin Wilcox learned his chops as the defensive coordinator at Washington after a stint under Chip Kelly at ... Oregon. He knows their system well.

 

Instant analysis ...

The head-to-head record favors Oregon. The Ducks have won eight of the last nine meetings straight up.

But the Golden Bears are 4-2 against the spread when the games are played in Strawberry Canyon. Not only are they at home for this one, they've had an extra week to prepare for this game. They might even surprise Oregon straight up.

ATS pick: California +2

Bet at 5dimes

Result: Oregon 42 California 24 ... Ducks cover

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Sportbet Columnist: Noah Williams

Noah lives and works with a simple philosophy of “Eat, Drink, Football.” This is embodied through a dedication to satellite TV, Indian delivery, Folgers in his cup, and Budweiser. He lives in a secret lair with his beautiful concubine.