The CFB betting action goes on Friday, October 15, 2021, with four games around the country, including the Pac-12 showdown at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, so we’ve prepared the best California vs. Oregon betting pick and odds.
The Ducks have owned the Golden Bears over their last 12 encounters, beating them ten times in the process, but California outlasted Oregon last season, 21-17, playing as a 9-point home underdog. This time around, the Golden Bears are 13.5-point road dogs on MyBookie Sportsbook, while the totals sit at 54.5 points.
California struggled mightily in Week 5
The California Golden Bears (1-4; 2-3 ATS) are coming off a bye, looing to snap a two-game skid. After a tough 31-24 overtime defeat at Washington in Week 4, the Golden Bears put on a terrible performance in Week 5 and suffered a 21-6 home loss to Washington State.
California racked up only 273 total yards while surrendering 332 to the Cougars. Senior QB Chase Garbers had his worst game of the season, throwing for 152 yards and an interception while completing just 14 of his 30 passing attempts.
The Golden Bears are scoring 24.2 points per game (98th in the country) on 158.2 rushing yards (76th) and 249.0 passing yards (53rd). On the defensive side of things, they are yielding 27.6 points per game (85th) on 119.2 rushing yards (38th) and 281.4 passing yards (116th).
Oregon looks to bounce back
As well as their next opponents, the No. 9 Oregon Ducks (4-1; 1-4 ATS) are coming off a bye. They will try to bounce back from a tough 31-24 overtime defeat at Stanford in Week 5, as the Ducks suffered their first loss in 2021.
Oregon blew a seven-point fourth-quarter lead against the Cardinal. The Ducks racked up 228 rushing yards and yielded just 124 in a return, but their secondary couldn’t cope with the Cardinal down the stretch. Senior QB Anthony Brown went only 14-for-26 for 186 yards and an interception, while junior RB Travis Dye had 19 carries for 96 yards.
The Ducks lean on their backfield, averaging 208.6 rushing yards per contest (29th in the country). They are scoring 35.8 points per game (25th) while giving up 21.8 points in a return (tied-38th) on 133.8 rushing yards (56th) and 275.2 passing yards (111th).
Trends:
California:
- 2-5 ATS in the last seven outings in Week 7
Oregon:
- 7-3 ATS in the last ten games against California
California vs. Oregon Pick
Neither of these two teams has impressed defensively thus far. The Ducks certainly possess more offensive firepower than California, so I’m expecting them to beat the Golden Bears comfortably and cover a 13.5-point spread.
Oregon has struggled to cover through the first five weeks, and this conference matchup seems like a nice opportunity for the Ducks to finally get one in the win column. Cal’s run D will be properly tested against the Ducks’ mighty rushing, and the Golden Bears’ secondary should give a ton of space to maneuver.
Pick: Take Oregon -13.5 at -110
The Total:
The under is 6-2 in Oregon’s last eight outings, and it is 8-0 in California’s previous eight games played in October. I’m going against these betting trends, expecting both teams to put on a strong offensive performance, especially the hosts.
Oregon has allowed 19 points to Arizona, and California will have to take full advantage of the Ducks’ passing defense that has some problems. On the other side, it’s a similar story with the Golden Bears’ secondary. California’s run D has looked good so far this term, but this will be the toughest test of the season, no doubt.
Pick: Go over 54.5 points at -110
