The progress Oregon State coach Jonathan Smith has made since he came to Corvallis in 2018 has been slowly building. Continue reading below to get our best California vs Oregon State Prediction Betting Picks and much more.
The Beavers are now 6-3 and bowl-eligible in two consecutive seasons for the first time since the 2012-13 seasons.
What anyone making a California Golden Bears vs Oregon State Beavers prediction will likely want to see is how much better the Beavers are than some of the teams at the bottom of the conference.
NCAAF Schedule
The Golden Bears won three of their first four games this season, but that was as the result of a weak NCAAF schedule.
Since getting into the heart of conference play, Cal has struggled to put things together. The Golden Bears have lost five straight to be locked into a battle for last place in the conference.
However, Cal only needs to spring an upset one more time to move out of the basement.
California Golden Bears vs. Oregon State Beavers
Matchup Info
When it comes to NCAAF matchups, this is one that means a lot more to Oregon State than to California. The two teams will meet at 9 p.m. Saturday at Reser Stadium.
California Golden Bears
Looking at NCAA football stats will show that California has struggled on defense, especially through the air.
The Golden Bears rank 128th nationally in passing yards allowed, giving up 299.8 yards per game when California allows a ton of yardage through the air, which creates a problem with giving up points.
Golden Bears’ Struggle
The Golden Bears allow 26.8 points per game. Anyone making a California vs Oregon State prediction will also see that the Golden Bears struggle to run the ball, gaining 107.7 yards per game, which ranks 115th nationally.
California has gotten solid production from quarterback Jack Plummer, who has thrown for 2,375 yards.
The Golden Bears’ rushing attack is led by Jaydn Ott, who has thrown for 724 yards and seven touchdowns. California has been slowed at times this season by college football injuries.
Key Injuries
- OL Spencer Lovell (out)
- WR Mason Starling (out)
- DL Brett Johnson (out)
Betting Trends to Know
- California is 5-4 against the spread.
- The Golden Bears have seen the total go under in five of their nine games.
- California is 0-4 straight up on the road.
Oregon State Beavers
The Beavers have been excellent on offense this season. Anyone making a California vs. Oregon State will see the Beavers haven’t wilted at putting points on the scoreboard, even against top opponents. When it comes to NCAAF standings, Oregon State schedule show they are sitting in sixth in the PAC-12, behind the five ranked teams.
The Beavers have scored 31.3 points per game and are especially effective on the ground, piling up 193.4 yards per game.
Chance Nolan’s Neck Issues
Due to quarterback Chance Nolan having neck issues, the Beaver have been starting Ben Gulbranson at quarterback. Gulbranson only passed for 87 yards in Oregon State’s loss to Washington last week.
The Beavers have been leaning on the run game, led by running back Damien Martinez. Martinez rushed for 137 yards in Oregon State’s loss to Washington last week.
Key Injuries
- QB Chance Nolan (questionable)
Betting trends to know
- Oregon State is 7-2 against the spread.
- The over has gone 5-4 in the Beavers’ games this season.
- Oregon State is 3-1 at home this season.
California vs. Oregon State odds
When it comes to college football picks, Oregon State has been made a 14-point favorite. The Beavers are -625 on the moneyline, while the Golden Bears are +450. The over/under has been set at 49 points.
California Golden Bears vs. Oregon State Betting Picks
When it comes to making a California vs Oregon State prediction, the Beavers are the only play here, but the price is expensive.
This game is better used as a parlay piece if you would like to pick Oregon State on the moneyline. Either that or if you want to make a bet with little return on investment.
This game may end up going well below the total. California has struggled to put up points all this season.
Beavers’ Offense
While the Beavers’ offense is strong, the Golden Bears defense has been competent at slowing down their opponents all season. California’s offense just hasn’t kept up with the defense.
Taking the Golden Bears on the spread isn’t a bad move. For all of its offensive woes, California has success slowing down its opponents on defense.
California vs. Oregon State Score Prediction
The Golden Bears limited Notre Dame and Washington to 24 points or fewer. Getting two touchdowns with Cal is a strong side to bet on.
Score Prediction: Oregon State 28, California 20
NCAAF Pick: California +14
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