Canceled: Arizona at California: 12/19/20 College Football Picks and Prediction

On the season, Arizona is averaging 17.4 ppg on 369.4 total yards per game (213.0 passing yds/g; 156.4 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Arizona has been led by the backfield duo of Gary Brightwell (88 att, 390 yards, TD) & Michael Wiley (31 att, 222 yards, 3 TD). Arizona has used a few QB’s this season in Grant Gunnell (68.8 CMP %, 625 yards, 6 TD, 2 INT), Will Plummer (53.8 CMP%, 388 yards, 0 TD, 3 INT), and Rhett Rodriguez (43.8 CMP%, 52 yards, 0 TD, 2 INT) and we’ll have to monitor the news this week to see who gets the start. The top receiving threats for the Wildcats have been Stanley Berryhill III (23 rec, 227 yards, 3 TD), Ma’jon Wright (15 rec, 176 yards, TD), & Tayvian Cunningham (9 rec, 139 yards, TD).

Defensively, Arizona is allowing their opponents to average 39.8 ppg on 473.0 total yards per game (202.4 passing yds/g; 270.6 rushing yds/g).

The California Golden Bears had their game last week against Washington State cancelled due to Covid-19 and come into this game with an overall record of 1-3 after defeating the 23rd ranked Oregon Ducks, 21-17, on December 5th. California was solid defensively against the potent Oregon offense and was able to hand on later after taking a 21-17 lead with just 5:14 left in regulation on a 28-yard TD reception by Nikko Remigio. California was outgained by Oregon by a 368-271 margin, however, won the turnover battle by a 2-0 margin in the victory. Leading the way for the Golden Bears was QB Chase Garbers who completed 20 of 32 passes for 183 yards & 1 TD.

On the season, California is averaging 20.3 ppg on 319.5 total yards per game (192.8 passing yds/g; 126.8 rushing yds/g). Offensively, California has been led by QB Chase Garbers who has completed 62.5% of his passes for 771 yards, 6 TD, & 3 INT. The top receiving threats for the Golden Bears have been Kekoa Crawford (19 rec, 232 yards, 2 TD), Makai Polk (17 rec, 183 yards, 1 TD), Nikko Remigio (10 rec, 90 yards, 2 TD), and Jake Tonges (12 rec, 80 yards, TD). Leading the way for the Golden Bears backfield has been the duo of Damien Moore (38 att, 194 yards) & Marcel Dancy (31 att, 156 yards; 9 rec, 68 yards).

Defensively, California is allowing their opponents to average 26.5 ppg on 367.0 total yards per game (196.8 passing yds/g; 170.3 rushing yds/g).

The Wildcats are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games following a ATS loss and 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall. The Golden Bears are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win and 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 home games.

Arizona’s program is currently in shambles after an embarrassing loss to their in-state rivals last week and it’s hard to imagine a team that has been awful on both ends of the field and will be under a new head coach will find much success in this one. California can sometimes get in trouble with TO’s, however the Golden Bears defense should be able to limit the offensive production for the Wildcats while the offense should find more success against Arizona’s 121st ranked scoring defense.

The line has yet to be released for this one, however, it is going to be hard for me to get away from taking California to cover a large number. Please check back later for my official pick!