California vs. Oregon Preview, College Football Odds & Pick for Week 5

Written by on September 27, 2017

The way in which NCAA Football is set up means that a single loss need not spell the end of any one team’s National Championship dreams, but College Football Odds and other matters get a little rougher when teams take a second loss, as that usually does mean that the road to the playoffs has been totally closed down. The California Golden Bears and the Oregon Ducks both come into this weekend with a 3-1 record, so it’s not really being dramatic to suggest that this game may be the most important one of the season for both teams. The Oregon Ducks come in as a 13.5 point favorite, and the point total for this one has been set at 68. Both of these teams are coming off tough losses in Week 4. Cal hung with USC for a good portion of the game but was eventually worn down late in the game, while the Oregon Ducks were involved in a thriller versus Arizona State in a game that they eventually lost 37-35. One of these teams is going to slip to 3-2 after this weekend, and while neither is predicted to be a playoff contender, a win and a move to 4-1 could provide the impetus for a big run the rest of the way.

Golden Bears vs. Ducks Preview, College Football Odds & Pick

When: Saturday, September 30 at 10:30 PM EST Where: Autzen Stadium, Eugene TV: FS1 Radio: 810 AM (California) / 590 AM (Oregon) Live StreamPac-12 Network College Football Odds: Oregon Ducks -13.5 (Over/Under at 68)

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Team Records

  • All: Golden Bears 3-1 / Ducks 3-1
  • Home: Golden Bears 2-1 / Ducks 2-0
  • Away: Golden Bears 1-0 / Ducks 1-1
  • ATS: Golden Bears 3-1 / Ducks 2-2
  • Over & Under: Golden Bears 1-2 / Ducks 2-2

Why consider the Golden Bears College Football Odds?

The California Golden ears may be coming into this one as a bit of an underdog, but they have been better than many of us expected this season. They got things rolling with an impressive win over the North Carolina Tar Heels in Week 1, and also have a very good win over the Ole Miss Rebels. Their biggest challenge came last weekend against the USC Trojans, a team that many consider being on the path to the college football playoffs. That game stayed close throughout, but it was the Trojans who eventually pulled away to get the 30-20 win. It was a disappointing loss for Cal. If they come into this one feeling sorry for themselves, they will be steamrolled by an Oregon Ducks team that knows how to put points up on the board. Cal has struggled on the road, going 1-5 SU in their last 6, and 1-4 ATS in their last 5. They also only have a single win in their last 9 visits to Oregon, so they are up against it here. Cal has struggled on the road, going 1-5 SU in their last 6, and 1-4 ATS in their last 5. They also only have a single win in their last 9 visits to Oregon, so they are up against it here.

Team Statistics

Offense

  • Average Score For: 28.75
  • Total Yards: 428.75
  • Rush Yards: 153.25
  • Passing Yards: 275.50

Defense

  • Average Score Against: 24
  • Total Yards: 445.75
  • Rush Yards: 136.25
  • Passing Yards: 309.5

Why consider the Ducks College Football Odds?

The Oregon Ducks are another team that is going to need to find a way to bounce back after a tough loss. They went into last week’s game versus Arizona State as a 14-point favorite but ended up getting into a shootout that they lost 37-35. The loss may have come as a surprise, but their inability to cover should not have, as the Ducks are just 4-13-1 ATS in their last 18 games. The better news is that this team is 8-3 SU in their last 11 home games, not to mention a very solid 7-1 in their last 8 meetings with the California Golden Bears. College Football Odds for Week 5 favors the Oregon Ducks. Oregon has been particularly tough to beat at home when Cal comes to visit, as they are 8-1 in their last 9 meetings in Eugene. For those of you looking at the point total, pay attention to the fact that the last 5 meetings between these two in Oregon have gone UNDER.

Team Statistics

Offense

  • Average Score For: 50.75
  • Total Yards: 557
  • Rush Yards: 244
  • Passing Yards: 313

Defense

  • Average Score Against: 26.50
  • Total Yards: 349.5
  • Rush Yards: 116.75
  • Passing Yards: 232.75

Series History

  • Total Meetings: 80
  • First Meeting: November 18th, 1899. Berkeley, California
  • Last Meeting: October 21st, 2016. Berkeley, California
  • All-Time Series: California 41-37-2
  • Largest Margin of Victory: Oregon 59-17
  • Longest Win Streak: California (1974-1982)
  • Current Win Streak: California 1 (2016)

Recent Head to Head (Last 10 Games)

  • Record: Oregon leads 7-3
  • Score: California 24.20 / Oregon 40.60
  • Rush Yards: California 158.40 / Oregon 253.70
  • Pass Attempts: California 43 / Oregon 32.40
  • Completion Percentage: California 51.63 / Oregon 59.26
  • Passing Yards: California 233.10 / Oregon 242.70
  • Total Yards: California 391.5 / Oregon 496.4
  • Turnovers: California 1.90 / Oregon 1.90

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

I think it will be the Oregon Ducks who bounce back better from their tough loss last week, and I like them to win and cover in this one. I also think that the 68-point total set by the bookies is a little high, so let’s go with the UNDER. Final Score: California Golden Bears 20 Oregon Ducks 43