California vs North Carolina Prediction Football Picks Today 10/17/25

In this article we will formulate a California vs North Carolina prediction for this College Football game on Friday, October 17th at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week 8 matchup. 

California Golden Bears Betting Preview

The California Golden Bears are 4-2 (1-1) this year after they lost to Duke by a score of 45-21 in their last game. California led 21-7 in the second quarter, but they allowed the last 38 points for the disappointing loss. The Golden Bears were out gained by a total of 443-286, went 5-11 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 4-0 in the game. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele went 20-31 for 245 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions, while Kendrick Raphael rushed 18 times for 67 yards and two scores. Mason Mini led the receivers with three catches for 56 yards in the loss. The Cal defense recorded two sacks and five tackles for loss in the game. 

California also has a loss against San Diego State, but did beat Boston College, Minnesota, Texas Southern, and Oregon State. The Golden Bears have lost two of their last three games and they are currently tied for eighth in the ACC standings. California has scored 24.2 points per game with 255.0 passing yards and 96.7 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 22.5 points against per game this season. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has thrown for 1,487 yards, nine touchdowns, and seven interceptions, while Trond Grizzell has 24 receptions for 400 yards and one score this year. 

North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Preview

The North Carolina Tar Heels are 2-3 (0-1) this season after they lost to Clemson by a score of 38-10 last week. North Carolina trailed 35-3 at halftime, but finally found the end zone in the fourth quarter in the blowout loss. The Tar Heels were out gained by a total of 488-270, went 2-11 on third downs, and won the turnover battle by a total of 1-0 in the game. Max Johnson went 26-42 for 213 yards, while Benjamin Hall rushed five times for 24 yards and one score. Jordan Shipp led the receivers with five catches for 41 yards in the loss. The UNC defense recorded two sacks and seven tackles for loss in the game. 

North Carolina also has losses against UCF and TCU, but did pick up wins against Richmond and Charlotte. The Tar Heels have lost two games in a row and they are currently towards the bottom of the ACC standings. North Carolina has scored 18.8 points per game with 162.6 passing yards and 102.2 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 25.8 points against per game this season. Max Johnson has thrown for 383 yards and two touchdowns, while Demon June has rushed for 266 yards and one score on 38 carries this season. 

Why the California Golden Bears will win

• North Carolina has lost five of its last six games in October.
• The favorite has won 21 of California’s last 24 games at California Memorial Stadium.
• North Carolina has failed to cover the spread in seven of its last eight games as an underdog.
• The favorite has covered the spread in each of North Carolina’s last five games.
• North Carolina has lost the first half in each of its last three games against conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Six of California’s last seven home games in October have gone OVER the total points line.
• Each of North Carolina’s last three games against conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• California ranks 126th among FBS teams for rushing yards per game this season (96.7).
• California ranks T118th among FBS teams for Q2 points per game this season (4.7).
• North Carolina ranks 136th among FBS teams for 1st downs this season (74).
• North Carolina ranks 133rd among FBS teams for yards per game this season (264.8).

California vs North Carolina Prediction 

Both of these teams are coming off of lopsided losses in their last game, but California has been the better team and they are at home. The Golden Bears had turnover issues and defensive issues against Duke last time out, but should be fine against this UNC team. North Carolina has allowed 72 points in their last two games, which should allow Cal to have a huge day offensively. I don’t believe in this North Carolina team, especially on this long road trip. Take Cal at home. 

David Racey is 70-48 (59%) in College Football this season and is one of the top College Football Handicappers on the site. Click here for his premium plays for the week!