Florida State vs Cal Prediction 9-21-24 College Football Picks
California Golden Bears (3-0) vs. Florida State Seminoles (0-3)
September 21, 2024 7:00 pm EDT
The Line: Florida State Seminoles -2.5 / California Golden Bears +2.5; Over/Under: +46.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Cal Golden Bears and the Florida State Seminoles meet in week 3 college football action from Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday night. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Florida State vs Cal Prediction.
Cal Recap
The Cal Golden Bears come into this one at 3-0 on the year after a 31-10 win over San Diego State last time out. After this game, Cal will head home and welcome the Miami Hurricanes to town.
Golden Bears Continuing To Surprise
Fernando Mendoza has thrown for 589 yards, 5 touchdowns, and an interception on 70.1% passing while Jaivian Thomas has 241 rushing yards and a touchdown. Kadarius Calloway rushed for 102 yards while Jaydn Ott has 60 rushing yards and 2 TDs as well on the year. Nyziah Hunter leads the Golden Bears with 12 receptions for 143 yards and 4 touchdowns as well this season. On defense, Teddye Buchanan has a team-high 31 total tackles while also sharing the team lead in sacks with Xavier Carlton as both have 2.5 sacks on the year. Nohl Williams has a team-high 4 interceptions this year while Marcus Harris has a pair of interceptions. As a team, Cal’s defense has combined for 7 sacks and 9 interceptions on the year.
Why the California Golden Bears will win
- The underdog has won four of Florida State’s last five games.
- Florida State has lost each of its last three games as a favorite.
- California has covered the spread in each of its last seven September road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Florida State has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four games.
Florida State Recap
The Florida State Seminoles are in dire need of a bounce-back after falling to 0-3 on the year thanks to a 20-12 loss to Memphis last time out. After this game, Florida State heads on the road to take on SMU.
Seminoles Still Hunting For First Win
DJ Uiagalelei has thrown for 666 yards, a touchdown, and 2 interceptions on 56.6^ passing while Lawrance Toafili has a team-high 67 rushing yards and Roydell Williams has a pair of rushing TDs. Malik Benson leads the Seminoles in receiving with 12 grabs for 171 yards while Ja’Khi Douglas has 9 grabs for 138 yards on the year. On defense, Shyheim Brown has a team-high 21 total tackles including 13 solo tackles while Daniel Lyons has a team-high 2.5 sacks on the year.
Why the Florida State Seminoles will win
- Florida State has won 20 of its last 23 games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- California has lost 13 of its last 16 road games against conference opponents.
Florida State vs Cal Prediction
I’m on Cal here. Until Florida State visibly makes the switch from DJ U at QB, I’m going to continue fading the ‘Noles. It’s not all his fault, but he’s been bad this year and the trickle-down effect has spread throughout the team and it’s been a disappointment from the word go for FSU this season. Cal’s been impressive so far and I think that Cal has a good chance to keep it going here. Give me Cal and the points.