Stanford Cardinal (3-7) vs. California Golden Bears (5-5)
November 23, 2024 3:30 pm EDT
The Line: California Golden Bears -14 / Stanford Cardinal +14; Over/Under: +50.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Stanford Cardinal and Cal Golden Bears meet Saturday in week 13 college football action at California Memorial Stadium. Here’s a California vs Stanford Prediction. This article will include a California vs Stanford Pick.
Stanford Cardinal Betting Preview
The Stanford Cardinal lost to NC State, beat Louisville, and they play San Jose State next. Stanford has lost 3 straight road games. Ashton Daniels is completing 63.4 percent of his passes for 1,309 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. Elic Ayomanor and Emmett Mosley V have combined for 1,021 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, while Sam Roush has 31 receptions.
The Stanford Cardinal ground game is averaging 134.7 yards per contest, and Daniels leads the way with 515 yards and 2 touchdowns. Defensively, Stanford is allowing 34.6 points and 414.8 yards per game. Gaethan Bernadel leads the Stanford Cardinal with 70 tackles, David Bailey has 6 sacks and Collin Wright has 2 interceptions.
Cal Golden Bears Betting Preview
The Cal Golden Bears beat Wake Forest, lost to Syracuse, and they play SMU next. Cal has split its last 6 home games. Fernando Mendoza is completing 68.6 percent of his passes for 2,705 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. Jack Endries and Nyziah Hunter have combined for 942 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns, while Trond Grizzell has 22 receptions.
The Cal Golden Bears ground game is averaging 123.3 yards per contest, and Jaivian Thomas leads the way with 583 yards and 7 touchdowns. Defensively, Cal is allowing 20.7 points and 342.2 yards per game. Teddye Buchanan leads the Cal Golden Bears with 97 tackles, Xavier Carlton has 9 sacks and Nohl Williams has 7 interceptions.
Why the California Golden Bears will win
- Stanford has lost eight of its last nine November games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- California has won five of its last six November games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Stanford has failed to cover the spread in 14 of its last 15 November games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- California has covered the spread in each of its last six November games against Stanford.
- Stanford has lost the first half in 13 of its last 14 games against conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of California’s last eight November games as a home favorite against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
- Four of Stanford’s last five games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- California ranks T1st among FBS teams for interceptions this season (17).
- California ranks 3rd among FBS teams for Q3 opponent points per game this season (1.8).
- Stanford ranks 127th among FBS teams for passing yards allowed per game this season (268.3).
- Stanford ranks 125th among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (8.7).
California vs Stanford Prediction
The California Golden Bears are the better team on paper and need this win to become bowl-eligible, so the line somewhat makes sense. Stanford is also in a letdown spot after that massive upset win over Louisville. However, I’m not excited to lay double-digit chalk with an inconsistent Cal team that can struggle to finish drives offensively and can’t defend the pass. Cal is also 3-10 ATS in its last 13 games as a double-digit favorite. Heck, the last time we saw Cal as a double-digit favorite, it lost outright to Syracuse. Give me the points.
