– Last Updated on December 22, 2022 3:38 pm
Free Week 5 Prediction: Cougars vs Golden Bears Odds
Week 5 College football betting sees the Washington State Cougars strong> taking on the California Golden Bears Saturday October 3 at Memorial Stadium Berkeley, CA. Cappers Picks provides complimentary handicapping picks all NCAA football season long so stay tuned for more FREE college football predictions.
Week 5
Washington State Cougars (2-1) vs. California Golden Bears (4-0)
Date: Saturday, October 3rd
Time: 4 PM
Venue: Memorial Stadium Berkeley, CA
NCAA Football Spread: Cal -19
NCAA Betting Total: 71
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Cal is just one of 3 undefeated teams in the Pac 12 and they got their first conference win of the season in their last game and now are big home favorites facing Washington State.
Both of these teams feature dynamic passing offenses and last season Cal beat Washington State 60-59 in a barnburner. The Golden Bears have the offense, but their defense has issues and they only rank 66th in the nation in pass defense.
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When these 2 teams met in Cal 2 seasons ago the Cougars laid a 44-22 beat down on the Golden Bears.
Washington State
Washington State got over their embarrassing opening game loss to Portland State with 2 straight wins.
However, they came against a Rutgers team that is in turmoil and a weak Wyoming team and it is no surprise they are big underdogs facing a ranked Cal team.
WSU is led by Luke Falk, who leads the Pac 12 in passing yards per game and he has a loaded WR corps with 3 of the top 6 WR’s, in terms of numbers, in the conference.
The Cougars are all about the pass, as they rank 9th in the nation in passing yards per game and 124th in rushing yards per game.
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While the secondary of Cal is a little sketchy they have a solid pass rush to help them out and the Golden Bears rank 15th in the nation in sacks.
California
Cal is a little more balanced on the offensive side of the football, as they rank 11th in the nation in passing yards per game and 54th in rushing yards per game.
One of the reasons for Cal’s resurgence is the play of QB Jared Goff, who is projected to be a first round pick in the next draft and on the season he has passed for 1,240 yards with 11 TD. Like WSU Cal has a loaded WR corps with 3 players that have over 200 receiving yards.
Cal can also run the ball with Khalfani Muhammad and Vic Enwere, who have combined for 518 rushing yards and 6 TD.
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Cal is not the only team in this game with a legit pass rush, as WSU ranks 17th in the nation in sacks and that aspect of the game will be key since both teams have great passing attacks.
Washington State has a better ranked pass defense, 38th in the nation, but they have not faced a great aerial attack this season.
While keeping Goff is key the Golden Bears may feature the run more in this conference match up since the Cougars only rank 85th in the nation in rushing defense.
NCAA Football Handicapping Trends
* Cougars are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 road games.
* Cougars are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
* Cougars are 1-6 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
* Golden Bears are 6-17 ATS in their last 23 home games.
* Golden Bears are 4-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Free Week 5 NCAA Football Prediction
Washington State is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games facing the Golden Bears at Cal, but that trend will not continue this Saturday.
5* Free NCAA Betting Pick: Cal ATS
Washington State will put up some points, but Cal will put up a lot more and they will win at home and cover the 19-point spread.
Week 5 Free Score Prediction: Cal 55 Washington State 31
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