Cal
vs.
Utah
Free College
Football Pick
10/10/15
There are only two undefeated teams left in the Pac-12 and they play in this Game. California hasn’t made it look easy with three straight single-digit wins, but here they are at 5-0. Meanwhile, Utah has unexpectedly jumped to No. 5 in the rankings thanks to a blowout at Oregon, as well as what is now looking like a great win over Michigan in the opener. The Utes, playing at home, are a -7 point favorite at 5 Dimes Sportsbook.
Not only did Utah beat Oregon 62-20 in its last Game, but they also got the past week off, so having a letdown here is less of a possibility, especially considering the Golden Bears are also ranked.
The story is a little different for California, who has snuck by with wins in the last few. They took down Texas by one point with the help of a missed XP, won at Washington 30-24, and last weekend beat Washington State 34-28. The thing about those three teams is that none of them have winning records.
With this Game on national TV, under the lights at Rice-Eccles Stadium, the Utes are going to be super pumped yet again coming off a bye. This is an uphill battle for a California team that still doesn’t have a great defense.
However, quarterback Jared Goff has played as good as expected, completing 70.2% of his passes for 15 touchdowns and Four interceptions. Six receivers already have at least 11 receptions, but Kenny LAwler is the man to watch with 27 catches and already eight touchdowns. The running Game has also had some success using a committee of running backs with Khalfani Muhammad (9.0 ypc) and Vic Enwere (5 TDs) leading the way.
Utah has a stout defense though, much like in previous years. They will probably give Goff and company their hardest test to date. The Utes make it hard for opposing offenses because they like grinding up the clock with running back Devontae Booker. When Cali does get the ball, they will need to make their possessions count, something Oregon didn’t do.
Booker will be fed plenty, which doesn’t come as a surprise since he already has 106 carries, 443 yards and Four TDs through Four Games. Travis Wilson has looked good as well, although it seems like he’s always fighting injury. The 6-7 QB is always a problem due to his sheer size and athleticism, as he has 200 rushing yards in three Games. He went for 100 yards, including a 60 yarder, against the Ducks. But even in the passing Game, Wilson has been better in his senior season, completing 68% of his passes.
California hasn’t seen a complete team like this yet, and could find some trouble if they can’t move the ball as well on the ground. If the Golden Bears are to have a shot at winning, Jared Goff will need a big Game.
These teams haven’t played since 2012, so that adds to the unknown between them. The Golden Bears are 6-1 ATS in their last seven road Games, while the Utes don’t seem like a letdown team, covering in five straight after scoring more than 40 points in their previous Game.
Our Pick – Our confidence level is high, that the Utes are the superior team. Our confidence level is a bit lower as to whether they’ll cover the spot. We’ll take Our chances though, with the better team playing at home. Utah -7