Pittsburgh (5-0) vs California (3-2)
Game Info: Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 3:30 pm (Acrisure Stadium)
Betting Odds: Pittsburgh -3.5 / California +3.5 --- Over/Under: 58.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: ESPN
The Cal Golden Bears and the Pitt Panthers meet in week 7 college football action from Acrisure Stadium on Saturday afternoon. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Cal vs. Pitt prediction.
Cal Recap
The Cal Golden Bears come into this one looking to rebound after a heartbreaking 39-38 loss to Miami in their last game, falling to 3-2 on the year as a result. After this game, Cal will head home for a matchup with NC State.
Golden Bears Continue To Shoot Themselves In The Foot
Fernando Mendoza has thrown for 1,177 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions on 64.8% passing while Jaivian Thomas has 287 rushing yards and a touchdown. Kadarius Calloway rushed for 103 yards while Jaydn Ott has 135 rushing yards and 3 TDs as well on the year. Nyziah Hunter leads the Golden Bears with 15 receptions for 185 yards and 4 touchdowns while 7 other Bears have 100+ receiving yards as well this season. On defense, Teddye Buchanan has a team-high 48 total tackles with 3 sacks while Xavier Carlton has a team-high 4.5 sacks on the year. Nohl Williams has a team-high 5 interceptions this year while Marcus Harris has a pair of interceptions. As a team, Cal’s defense has combined for 12 sacks and 11 interceptions on the year.
Why the California Golden Bears will win
- Pittsburgh has lost four of its last six October games as a home favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
- California has covered the spread in four of its last five games against conference opponents.
- Pittsburgh has failed to cover the spread in nine of its last 12 October games as a home favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
Pitt Recap
The Pitt Panthers come into this one looking to keep the ball rolling after taking down North Carolina last time out by a final score of 34-24 to improve to 5-0 on the year. After this game, Pitt will have a bye before welcoming Syracuse to town.
Panthers Continue To Impress
Eli Holstein has thrown for 1,183 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions on 67.4% passing while Desmond Reid has rushed for a team-high 319 yards and a touchdown. Konata Mumpfield has a team-high 20 receptions for 315 yards and 3 touchdowns for Pitt’s receiving group while Kenny Johnson has 202 receiving yards with 2 touchdowns. Four more Pitt receivers have 100+ receiving yards including the aforementioned Reid and Raphael Williams Jr. who each have 150+ receiving yards and 3 touchdowns this year. On defense, Donovan McMillon has a team-high 35 total tackles while Rasheem Biles has 32 total tackles including a team-high 19 solo tackles and 3 sacks. Kyle Louis has 33 total tackles and 2 interceptions while Nate Matlack also has a team-high 3 sacks as part of Pitt’s 11 sacks and 5 INTs as a team so far this season.
Why the Pittsburgh Panthers will win
- California has lost each of its last 10 games against AP-ranked teams.
- Pittsburgh has won seven of its last eight home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Pittsburgh has covered the spread in each of its last six games at Acrisure Stadium.
- California has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five road games in October.
Cal vs. Pitt Prediction
I’m on Pitt here. I’m simply taking the if it isn’t broken, don’t try to fix it approach as Pitt continues to roll, but the thing about Pitt here is that it’s a brutal spot for Cal coming in. The Bears just blew a 35-10 lead at home to upset a high-ranked Miami team, lost that game by 1, and now have to fly cross-country to try to take down a solid Pitt offense that’s going to try to replicate Miami’s game plan. Have the Panthers had the toughest schedule? No, but I just don’t have faith in Cal in this spot. Give me Pitt.
Chris’s Pick Pitt -3.5
AUTHOR: Chris Ruffolo
