California vs Auburn Prediction College Football Picks 9/7/24

In this article, we will formulate a California vs Auburn prediction for this College Football Week 2 game on Saturday, September 7th, at Jordan-Hare  Let’s take a look at a UNLV Rebels vs Houston Cougars pick. To formulate this prediction, we will examine:

-The Golden Bears’ recent form and recent player performance 

-The Tigers’ recent form and recent player performance

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving California

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Auburn

-Recent betting trends in games played between California and Auburn.

-A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for Today’s Game between the Golden Bears and Tigers. 

Auburn’s Offense Put on a Show

Auburn faced off against Alabama A&M in the first game and it was quite the game. Auburn was up 28-0 at the end of the first quarter and they never looked back as they were able to secure the 73-3 victory. Payton Thorne hopes to keep up the strong play and he completed 13 of his 21 passes for 322 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Auburn didn’t try to establish much of a run game but Jarquez Hunter rushed four times for 53 yards and a touchdown. Malcolm Simmons also caught three passes for 91 yards and one touchdown. KeAndre Lambert-Smith caught three passes for 91 yards and a touchdown.

On defense, Jalen McCloud was a problem all night as he finished with five tackles and one sack. They did give up over 200 yards through the air but the defense was elite against the run, and they are going to need the defense to step up again here. Auburn will play against New Mexico and Arkansas following this game.

Cal Pulled Away in the Second Half

Cal in the first game was tested against UC Davis, especially in the first half but they ended up winning 31-13. At halftime, they were up 14-13, but in the second half the defense gave up zero runs and that led to the win. Under center for the Golden Bears was Fernando Mendoza who completed 15 of his 22 passes for 158 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. Jaydn Ott is the top running back and he rushed 14 times for 49 yards and two touchdowns. Three different players caught at least four passes including Ott who is going to need to have another big game here. 

On defense, Cal did a good job of creating turnovers and they finished three interceptions, even though they allowed 221 yards through the air. They also allowed Lan Larison to rush it 17 times for 62 yards and a touchdown. California will meet San Diego State after this one.

California vs Auburn Prediction

California is going to have some issues here. Payton Thorne threw for 322 yards and four touchdowns in the first game, and he’s going to have a huge game here. I really don’t trust Mendoza, and Auburn’s defense is going to find a way to take away Ott, who is the real playmaker for California. Auburn’s offense is going to get out to a fast start, and that will be the difference here as the Tigers will get the job done. Back Auburn against the spread here.

Shane Mickle's Pick: Auburn -13