California Golden Bears (3-2) 2-2 ATS, 2-2 O/U at UCLA Bruins (3-2) 3-2 ATS, 0-4 O/U Saturday October 17, 2009 Pasadena, California Rose Bowl (98,000) 3:30 p.m. EST TV: ABC
By Wilson at Predictem.com
Point Spread: California -3.5/UCLA +3.5
Over/Under: 44
Bet this game using your checking account to deposit instantly and to get a whopping 50% signup bonus at Beted Sportsbook.
The UCLA Bruins will host the Cal Bears this weekend at the Rose Bowl for another Pac-10 showdown. The Bruins are licking their wounds after suffering a loss to Oregon last week in the Rose Bowl 24-10. The game was mainly a defensive stop on both sides until the Ducks finally showed up to play. Oregon came out and scored 21 points in the first 4 minutes of the second half.
The Bruins will be searching for a good win over California this Saturday to avoid slipping too deep in the Pac-10 race. The loss to Oregon left the Bruins 0-2 in the Pac-10 for the first time in ten years.
UCLA will need to figure out their offense quickly if they plan on earning more “W”s. They only had 211 total offensive yards and just 66 of those were on the ground. Bruin QB Kevin Prince was 13 of 25 for 81 yards.
The California Bears offense continued to struggle against the Trojans. Cal lost to USC two weeks ago 30-3. If Cal wants to play football after Christmas they really need to get their offense in gear. USC came into the game with a fury and stopped the Bear’s running game before it could build steam. Jahvid Best was limited to just 47 yards on 14 carries and zero touchdowns.
Bear’s QB Kevin Riley threw for 199 yards on 15 of 40 passing and 1 interception. Cal has only scored 6 points in their last two outings. The Bears have been averaging 30.4 points per game and allowing 22 to their opponents.
The Bruins are averaging 20 points per game while giving up 17.2 to the oppostion. UCLA showed signs that they had turned the corner early in the season by starting out 3-0 but have since faltered.
Cal is 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games in October and 4-11 ATS in their last 15 road games. UCLA is 21-7 ATS in their last 28 home games. The under 7-1 in Bruin’s last 8 games in the month of October.
The underdog is 10-2 ATS in their last 12 meetings. The home team is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings. If both teams stick to their recent pattern it should be UCLA’s turn to win as they have switched off every year dating back to 2001. The last time either team won this annual meeting in back to back years was Cal in 1999 and 2000.
The QB matchup is really anyone’s game but California’s Riley has the lower completion rate at just under 54 percent.
UCLA holds a 49-29-1 advantage over the Golden Bears. The Bruins are 27-11-1 in games played in Los Angeles. The teams have split the last eight contests each getting the victory on their home field.
The playmaker in this game might just be redshirt junior kicker Kai Forbath. Forbath is 23 for 23 on kicks of 50 yards or less.
California is desperately searching for a spark on offense as they have only scored six points combined in their last two games after scoring more than 50 twice to open the season. The Bears need to get their playmaker, Jahvid Best, into the action again. Best is one the country’s top backs, and they have got to find a way to use his talents more effectively.
Most sportsbooks have this game Cal -3.5 with the total at 44. I like Cal to recover and break out of their funk.
Wilson’s Pick: California 28, UCLA 27. Cal gets the SU win but UCLA covers the 3.5. Luck to ya.
Editor's Picks - Each weekend our very own in-house All-American Editor makes his NCAA point spread predictions in an attempt to force fumbles, sack and intercept your bookie!
Expert Picks - Free premium college foots plays against the spread from expert handicappers from around the web from week 1 through the National Championship.
Underdog of the Week Pick - We sort through it all and find out which University is getting "too many points" this week. If there was a Heisman Trophy for picking underdogs, we'd be a frontrunner. Expect a 57%+ winning percentage with these picks as we've got a keen ear for loud barking dogs.
Favorite of the Week Pick - Giving points means we start the game down. We're not a real big fan of betting college football favorites as it's similar to trading field goals for touchdowns but stick with us as we buck the odds each week, selecting the favored team with the best chance of covering the spread.
Over/Under of the Week - Expect great value from this pick each week as we've cashed in big on betting over/unders over the years.
Line Movement - NCAA football lines open early in the week and often times move up or down based on wagering activity, injuries to key players and weather. We decipher whether it's square or wiseguy action and predict the point spread winner based on value.
College Football Consensus Picks - We assess the public perception each week and let them pick the winners for us as we fade their selections which provides us with many trips into our bookies endzone.
Computer Picks - We enter them into the computer and the machine makes it's picks. This is a great guide especially when betting totals! These are available after the first few weeks of the season.
Trends - Despite what you have been told or read on tout sites, the trend ain't your friend. We however turn the tables and fade the almighty trend for what should be some great profits over time.
2011 College Football Predictions - Badger breaks down the top teams and lists their odds to win the 2012 BCS Championship as well. At the end he gives his pick on who thinks will win the 2012 BCS National Championship game.
2011 Heisman Trophy Predictions - The trophy is up for grabs with Cam Newton leaving for the NFL. This year's list of "Heisman Hopefuls" is a pretty balanced list and the award is truly up for grabs. Stanford Quarterback Andrew Luck is the favorite at +450 with Oklahoma Sooners QB Landry Jones not far behind at +650. Check out Jay's predictions (with analysis) to win the coveted trophy this season.
2012 BCS Championship Predictions - College football handicapper Jay Horne gives his picks on who he thinks will win the 2012 Bowl Championship Series (BCS) National Championship.
Intertops - Boasts the highest credit card acceptance rate on the internet! You also get a free $20 bet on your first deposit and their loyalty program is AWESOME as it gives you continuous bonuses as your betting handle reaches certain levels!
5Dimes - 15 team parlays! 20 point teasers! Reduced juice betting odds! Buy up to 15 points! Most props on the web!
SBG Global - Best parlay odds in the industry! Get paid 12-1 on 4-team parlays!
Heisman Trophy Betting Odds - Andrew Luck, Landry Jones, LaMichael James or ? You make the call!
Odds to Win the 2012 BCS Championship - The Oklahoma Sooners are favored to win at 4.5 to 1 but will get a run from Bama (+550), LSU (+1200) and Oregon (+1400). Check out your school's odds here!
Heisman Trophy Winners - A full list of college football quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers who have made history on the field and won the prestigious award.
The Spread - Offers scores, odds, free game predictions, current news and more!
