California (0-0) vs UC Davis (0-0)
Game Info: Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 5:00 pm (California Memorial Stadium)
Betting Odds: California -20.5 / UC Davis +20.5 --- Over/Under: 53.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The UC Davis Aggies and California Golden Bears meet Saturday in week 1 college football action at California Memorial Stadium. Here’s a UC Davis vs California Prediction. This article will include a UC Davis vs California Pick.
UC Davis Aggies Betting Preview
The UC Davis Aggies won 7 games last year and now begin the Tim Plough era, as he comes over from Cal as the tight ends coach. UC Davis enters the season as a top-25 FCS team and will be led by quarterback Miles Hastings, who threw for 2,300 yards and 14 touchdowns. Lan Larison returns as a 1,000-yard rusher, while Trent Tompkins and Samuel Gbatu Jr. are a returning receiving duo that combined for 700 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Defensively, Rex Connors returns after 59 tackles, Zach Kennedy led UC Davis with 4 sacks and Porter Connors had 1 interception. Former Cal defensive back Tyson McWilliams is the only player UC Davis added in the transfer portal. UC Davis has the returning pieces to be an elite offensive team and make a run at a playoff spot. While a big underdog in this contest, this is a nice measuring stick for UC Davis to see exactly how it measures up. UC Davis will meet Texas A&M-Commerce and Southern Utah after this one.
California Golden Bears Betting Preview
The California Golden Bears won 6 games last season and enters the eighth year under coach Justin Wilcox. Cal has a new offensive coordinator in Mike Bloesch. Cal has one of the best running backs in the country in Jaydn Ott, who racked up 2,200 yards and 20 touchdowns in his first two seasons, along with 5 receiving touchdowns on 71 receptions. While the Cal offensive line has questions, Ott gives Cal a punchers chance when on the field due to his high level production. Fernando Mendoza returns at quarterback after throwing for 1,700 yards and 14 touchdowns as a freshman.
Defensively, Craig Woodson returns after 81 tackles, David Reese led Cal with 6.5 sacks and Cade Uluave had 2 interceptions. Cal needs to improve drastically defensively after allowing an average of 32.8 points per game last season. California will face Auburn following this game.
Why the California Golden Bears will win
- California has won each of its last nine games as a home favorite.
- California has covered the spread in nine of its last 12 home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Total Points Facts
- Six of California's last seven home openers have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- California ranked T28th among FBS teams for Q1 win percentage last season (.538).
- California ranked T30th among FBS teams for H1 points per game last season (16.9).
UC Davis vs California Prediction
This is a nice under the radar game because Tim Plough was just on the Cal roster last year, so he's familiar with a lot of this roster and has had all offseason to form a game plan. The California Golden Bears are the more talented team obviously, but their defense was awful last season and there are serious questions with their offensive line. The UC Davis Aggies are also a top-20 FCS program, so this isn't your typical FCS - FBS cupcake game. There's a chance UC Davis can make things interesting. We're getting three free touchdowns. Give me the Aggies.
Randy’s Pick UC Davis Aggies +20.5
AUTHOR: Randy Chambers
Mitch's Take...
