UCLA and California renew their long standing rivalry tonight when they meet at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, California (10:00pm ET start time, Pac-12 Network). College Football Saturday odds like the Bruins, who ended a three game losing streak to the Golden Bears last season, to get the better of things this evening. Jim Mora Jr’s troops are a -2.5 against the spread road favorite and the Over/Under is set at 55.5 points.
Head Coach Jeff Tedford has enjoyed a nice tenure at Cal, but the program started trending in the wrong direction the past two seasons. Most felt Tedford would right the course this year with the return of a solid talent base and the move back to Memorial Stadium, but the Bears enter tonight’s game with a meager and disappointing 1-4 record.
Should Cal fall to the Bruins this evening, Tedford’s seat will be among the hottest in college football. Nonetheless, the Bears do have enough weapons to keep UCLA at bay and, perhaps, save their season from becoming a complete disaster.
UCLA, through five games, appears far more formidable than most expected, though. The Bruins are 4-1 with two road wins (Rice and Colorado) and impressive home wins over Nebraska and Houston.
Some contend the Bruins are a paper tiger, but their stats would suggest otherwise. The team presently ranks fourth in total offense (560.4 yards per game) while senior running back Jonathan Franklin is fourth in the nation with a 139.4 yards per game average.
UCLA’s defense has been a bit porous, though, yielding 399 yards per contest; however, it has been more of the bend don’t break variety. The Bruins are only allowing 20.2 points per game on the season.
Still, Cal looks like a live dog in this contest and a smart play considering it has won six in a row hosting UCLA.
UCLA vs California College Football Odds:
UCLA Bruins -2.5 (-115), Over 55.5 (-110), -140 (Moneyline)
California Golden Bears +2.5 (-105), Under 55.5 (-110), +120 (Moneyline)
College Football Free Picks: UCLA at California (Marcos Best Bet)
What college football bettors need to know about UCLA at California on Saturday (10/6/12) - a Best Bet from Pregame.com's Marco D'Angelo, with Bryan Leonard and host Scott Spreitzer.
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