Oregon State vs California Prediction College Football Picks 10/26/24

In this article, we will formulate an Oregon State vs California prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, October 26th at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 9 matchup.

Oregon State Beavers Betting Preview

The Oregon State Beavers are 4-3 this year after they lost to UNLV by a score of 33-25 in their last game. Oregon State led 17-6 in the first half and 17-16 at halftime, but they allowed the first 17 points in the second half for the loss. The Beavers were outgained by a total of 384-368, tied the turnover battle at one, and went 6-16 on third down in the game. Gevani McCoy threw for 231 yards, while also rushing for 81 yards and two scores. 

Oregon State also has losses against Oregon and Nevada, but they do have wins against Idaho State, San Diego State, Colorado State, and Purdue. The Oregon State offense has scored 30.3 points per game with 191.3 passing yards and 239 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 27.3 points per game this season. The Beavers have gone 52.3% on third down and 12-20 on fourth down so far this season. Gevani McCoy has completed 62.1% of his passes for 1,297 yards, three touchdowns, and five interceptions, while Anthony Hankerson has rushed for 700 yards and 13 scores. 

California Golden Bears Betting Preview

The California Golden Bears are 3-4 (0-4) this season after they lost to NC State by a score of 24-23 in their last game. California led 23-10 in the fourth quarter, but they were outscored 14-0 in the final quarter for the loss. The Golden Bears outgained NC State by a total of 399-363, won the turnover battle 2-1, and went 2-14 on third down in the game. Fernando Mendoza threw for 282 yards, while Jaivian Thomas rushed for 78 yards and two touchdowns. 

California also has losses against Florida State, Miami, and Pittsburgh, but they did start the season with wins over UC Davis, Auburn, and San Diego State. The Cal offense has scored 24.3 points per game with 252 passing yards and 119.4 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 18.7 points per game this season. The Golden Bears have gone 33.3% on third down and 7-16 on fourth down through seven games. Fernando Mendoza has completed 67.4% of his passes for 1,731 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions, while Jack Endries has caught 28 passes for 366 yards and two scores. 

Why California will cover

• California has won 15 of its last 17 games against non-conference opponents at California Memorial Stadium.
• Oregon State has lost eight of its last nine games as an underdog.
• Oregon State has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four games as an underdog.
• California has covered the spread in each of its last three games against opponents from the Pac-12 Conference.

Total Points Facts

• Seven of California’s last eight games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
• Four of Oregon State’s last five games against non-AP-ranked teams at California Memorial Stadium have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• California ranks T10th among FBS teams for Q2 opponent points per game this season (3.9).
• California ranks T120th among FBS teams for Q4 points per game this season (4.7).
• Oregon State ranks T5th among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage against this season (25.0).
• Oregon State ranks T128th among FBS teams for Q4 opponent points per game this season (10.9).

Oregon State vs California Prediction 

California comes into this matchup trying to snap their four-game losing streak and they will have the home-field advantage here. The Golden Bears have lost those four games in a row by a combined nine points, so they are a few plays away from having a much better record on the season. Oregon State has lost to UNLV and Nevada in their last two games and they have allowed at least 31 points in three straight games. Cal is the better team in this matchup and I think they are going to have a big offensive day against this Oregon State defense. Take the Golden Bears at home. 

David Racey's Pick: California -9.5