Free NCAA Football Prediction: Wolf Pack vs. Bears Odds
Looking for Nevada Wolf Pack vs. California Bears free picks? College football betting sees the Wolf Pack taking on the Bears on Saturday, September 4 at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, California. Cappers Picks provides complimentary handicapping picks all NCAA football season long so stay tuned for more FREE college football game Week 1 predictions like this Nevada California free pick.
College Football Handicapping Analysis: Week 1
Nevada Wolf Pack vs. California Bears
Date: Saturday, September 4, 2021
Time: 9:00 pm EST
Venue: Memorial Stadium
NCAA Football ATS Spread Odds: Wolfpack +3, Bears -3
NCAA Football Moneyline Odds: Nevada +137 | California -165
NCAA Betting Total Odds: O/U 52.5
There is a very real chance that Nevada is the best team in the Mountain West this season. This game will give us a hint.
Cal has been competitive in the PAC 12 thanks to a stingy defense. That will be tested in this one against an NFL bound QB.
This is a “good” Week 1 game for both programs. Either could win and both should be challenged enough to know what is working and what isn’t.
Nevada Wolf Pack
Nevada had a strong season last year. They were 7-2 and both of their losses were on the road. They are projected by most to win the MWC West Division this season.
QB Carson Strong led a strong passing attack last season – 2nd in the conference and 12th nationally. He has top receiver Romeo Doubs back too. Both are seniors.
The defense was not as strong last season. Giving up 23ppg is hardly terrible but it was just middle of the pack in the league. Returning their entire defensive line there is optimism for improvement.
Nevada should be a good team this season but they might stumble early. They have two road games against Power 5 opponents and their first league game is at Boise State. Losses could create some buying opportunities.
California Bears
Justin Wilcox is 21-21 as head coach of the Cal Bears. This team looks like it could boost his career record over .500 if things break right.
The key thing they need is to keep QB Chase Garbers healthy. He has a record of 14-9 as a starter and with a bunch of other returnees and a new offensive coordinators there are hopes the Bears offense can get out of the stone ages.They were last in total offense last season.
They were third in total defense and I trust Wilcox to be able to get their stop unit to be strong. Even with just 4 starters returning.
The Bears only played 4 games last year and in each week they gave up fewer points than the week before. That culminated with just 17 allowed in an upset win against Oregon.
I am not sure of the ceiling of this team but Wilcox gets them to be physical and compete. That might be enough against a Mountain West team, if they are organized to start the season.
NCAA Football Handicapping Trends
- The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Nevada’s last 8 games on the road
- Nevada is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 8 of California’s last 10 games at home
- The total has gone UNDER in 18 of California’s last 25 games
Free Week 1 NCAA Football Pick
This one is a tough call and it looks like the Bears are going ot get the benefit of the doubt at home. As soon as the markets pull it one way or the other I think we will see the action pull it back.
4* Free Week 1 NCAA Betting Pick: Nevada +3
I really believe that Nevada will be able to get their passing game going and put some pressure on the Bears to score some points. Strong does not make many mistakes and there is lots of continuity on the Nevada side to get the upset.
If you’re looking for more picks like this Nevada Wolf Pack vs. California Bears matchup we’ll be providing 4* free College football game predictions on the blog all season long, and check out our Experts for guaranteed premium & free CFB Football picks!
Register here for a FREE NCAA Football Betting Account Now for Daily Free Picks & More Special Offers!