The Nevada Wolf Pack and California Golden Bears meet Saturday at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Nevada at California odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.
Nevada is considered the favorite in the Mountain West’s West Division, and head coach Jay Norvell’s team is stacked in 2021. It all starts with QB Carson Strong, who tossed 27 TD passes in just eight regular-season games and the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Top WR Romeo Doubs returns too, as does RB Toa Taua.
California managed just one win in four games in a COVID-19 shortened season. QB Chase Garbers had a full offseason to get on the same page with offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave, so look for the Golden Bears to be much better in 2021. Four returning starters on the offensive line will give him ample time and keep him upright.
Nevada at California odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:41 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Nevada +133 (bet $100 to win $133) | California -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Nevada +3.5 (-125) | California -3.5 (+100)
- Over/Under (O/U): 52.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Nevada at California odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Nevada 31, California 24
Money line
NEVADA (+133) is a tremendous underdog opportunity for a chance at plus money. Strong and the Pack will have their hands full against a talented Cal defense, although the Bears are a little light in the pass rush. With an experienced O-line in front of him, Strong should be able to pick Cal apart.
Against the spread
NEVADA +3.5 (-125) is an outstanding value while catching three and the hook. The Wolf Pack are on the outside looking in as far as the Top 25 rankings are concerned, but a road win over a Power 5 team would certainly turn some heads.
I like Strong and the Nevada offense much better than Garbers and the Cal offense, and I think that alone is the difference.
Over/Under
OVER 52.5 (-110) is the “lean”, although only a small-unit play is warranted. Strong and the Nevada offense has the potential to get a good chunk of this total all on their own. Cal has a strong defense, though, especially in the back end.
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