2014
California Golden Bears
College Football
Betting Preview
Schedule and Odds
California doesn’t have lofty goals after a zero-win season against FBS schools, the Bears just want that one win. It doesn’t help that they have a tough non-Conference Schedule and have to face UCLA and USC out of the North division. The good news is that this team returns eight starters to the offense, including sophomore quarterback Jared Goff.
If we use the current posted odds at 5 dimes sportsbook to get an idea of Cal’s chances this year, it looks like their chances of success are slim to none. They are listed at 500 to 1 odds to win the PAC-12, dead last of all teams. Also, their over/under win total is 2.5 wins!
Considering California’s record, Goff actually didn’t play all that bad in his first season, completing 60 percent of his passes for a school record 3,508 yards, 18 TDs and 10 INTs. With all his top receivers back and more experience on his side, Goff could will this team to a win or two. Wide receivers Chris Harper (70 receptions, 852 yards) and Bryce Treggs (70 rec., 751 yards) could even see bigger numbers than a season ago in this up-tempo, no huddle offense.
It’s the running Game that struggles on this side of the ball where they averaged 3.5 yards per carry as a team. Daniel Lasco looks set to take over as the lead back this year if he can stay healthy. The offensive line returns Four of its starters, so hopefully that will help open holes for Lasco and company. While this team moved the ball decently in 2013, they scored just 23 points per Game.
On the other end of that, the defense gave up a ridiculous 45.9 points per Game. If you want to win Games, you just can’t do that. They even allowed 30 points in their win over Portland State.
The Bears gutted the defensive staff, so maybe that will infuse something else into the group. Four starters that missed most of last season because of injury are back, including one of the best defensive ends in the Conference in Brennan SCarlett. This unit should be better than a year ago, mainly because you can’t do any worse than what happened, and because injuries decimated them. The secondary is a bit more experienced, which will hopefully allow more time for SCarlett to get to the quarterback.
Once again, California’s Schedule doesn’t help matters. They open the season at a tough Northwestern team, and close it against BYU. Before that BYU Game, the Bears have an extremely difficult stretch of Washington, UCLA, Oregon, Oregon State, USC and Stanford. It’s hard to see them winning any Games against that bunch. Not to mention, they have to deal with a Saturday-Friday Game slate with UCLA and Oregon, which just seems unfair.
Their best chances of FBS wins include Games against Colorado and Washington State early in the season. They should have a little confidence by then to come out on the winning end.
If Goff can show improvement, the offense will be a threat, but it’s going to come down to the defense and if they can stop anyone from scoring more than 30 points.
2014 Cal Football Schedule
Aug. 30 at Northwestern
Sept. 6 vs. Sacramento State
Sept. 20 at Arizona
Sept. 27 vs. Colorado
Oct. 4 at Washington State
Oct. 11 vs. Washington
Oct. 18 vs. UCLA
Oct. 24 vs. Oregon
Nov. 1 at Oregon State
Nov. 13 at USC
Nov. 22 vs. Stanford
Nov. 29 vs. BYU