The California Golden Bears (3-1, 1-0 Pac-12) square off with the Washington State Cougars (3-1, 0-1) at Martin Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is at 5:30 p.m. ET (Pac-12 Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the California vs. Washington State odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
The Golden Bears have been playing much better than most people assumed they would this season as 2 of their first 3 wins have come by more than 10 points. California suffered a 24-17 loss at Notre Dame Sept. 17 for its lone loss of the season thus far.
The Cougars came close to knocking out a second ranked team this season when they fell 44-41 to Oregon last Saturday. Washington State was able to defeat a ranked Wisconsin team in Week 2, proving that they can compete with some of the better programs in college football.
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California at Washington State odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 11 a.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): California +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | Washington State -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): California +3.5 (-107) | Washington State -3.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 53.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)
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California at Washington State picks and predictions
Prediction
Washington State 27, California 20
Money line
Washington State should be able to pull out a win at home against California, but I’ll PASS on the money line in this game. The Cougars are nearly -200 favorites at home and I can’t recommend taking them straight up at their current odds.
Against the spread
WASHINGTON STATE -3.5 (-115) is where I’m going in this game with the Cougars having the better offense. QB Cameron Ward has been able to overcome some turnover issues as he’s thrown for 1,102 yards and 10 touchdowns with 5 interceptions.
The Cougars are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a loss and they are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 conference games.
Over/Under
Pac-12 matchups can always result in a shootout, however, this feels like it’s going to be a lower-scoring game than expected. California wants to lean on its running game that is led by RB Jaydn Ott and Washington State could have a turnover or 2 that could lead to them not scoring as many points as they could.
UNDER 53.5 (-115) is the move in this game. The Under has hit in 5 of the last 6 meetings between California and Washington State overall and is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings when the Cougars were the home team.
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