College Football Game Preview: Cal vs. Oregon: Time For Jahvid’s Best
The Cal Bears have been making plenty of noise this year, going 3-0 SU and 2-0 ATS so far. The big reason for that is their Heisman candidate, Jahvid Best, totaling 412 yards on the ground, and 8 touchdowns with a 7.8 yards-per-carry average. He’ll get a chance to open up a can of whoop-ass on an Oregon defense that’s allowed 151.0 rushing yards against, but will it be enough to cover the betting line?
Want The TOP ONLINE NCAA Football Handicappers Plays For This Week??? We’ve got your back —–>
As good as the California Golden Bears are, they’re still just 1-4 ATS on the road and just 1-4 SU in their last 5 games in Oregon. 
That’s enough reason to e worried, and another reason that this matchup’s betting line is remaining pretty tight. A single-score spread is more of a “buyer beware” line when the favorite is on the road. The oddsmakers are pinned between making this attractive for Oregon bettors, and a trap for the heavy flux of California bettors that are lingering out there to off-set the opening line.
California Golden Bears (3-0) vs. Oregon Ducks (2-1)
Saturday, September 26 th — Autzen Stadium, Eugene — 3:30pm EST
NCAAF Betting Line: California -5.5 (58)
The Ducks serve to play the role of spoiler once again, after ending the Utah Utes incredible 18-game winning streak. They are certainly not without the talent to serve up another upset. Even without suspended running back LaGarrette Blount, the Ducks have been able to find savior of sorts in LaMichael James, who had 152 yards and a score to support Jeremiah Masoli’s hideous effort last week against Utah.
Masoli remains the lone issue for the Ducks. With 379 yards on the season and two picks, Masoli has to put together a game that allows the groomed junior to keep his starting job. He’s the type of quarterback that relies on his feet too much after not checking through his reads, and has scrambled 33 times for 145 yards and 4 touchdowns. Even with James emerging as a go-to back, the California Bears’ defense will be too much for both of these guys. California’s defense is relentless, allowing just 37-yards last week while breaking through for 12 sacks and piling up 7 turnovers against Minnesota.
With no room to run, the Oregon Ducks will be forced to take to the air, and the Bears will milk the clock and kill the Oregon offense to the point that his game is a blowout. The Bears need a statement game to gain ground on the five teams ahead of them in the AP polls. With no upsets expected this week amongst the top-7 teams, the often overlooked Cal Bears need big wins to keep USC off their backs and take it to the Pac-10 house.
Free Pick: California -5.5 (UNDER)
