California Golden Bears (3-2) vs. Pittsburgh Panthers (5-0)
October 12, 2024 3:30 pm EDT
The Line: Pittsburgh Panthers -3.5 / California Golden Bears +3.5; Over/Under: +58.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The California Golden Bears and the Pittsburgh Panthers meet Saturday in college football action from Acrisure Stadium. Here’s a Pittsburgh vs California prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Pittsburgh vs California pick.
California Golden Bears Betting Preview
The Golden Bears got off to a nice 3-0 start this year. Those victories came versus UC Davis 31-13, Auburn 21-14, and San Diego State 31-10. California’s first loss was against Florida State 14-9 on September 21.
Matched up against Miami last weekend, the Bears were outscored 21-3 in the final quarter along the way to a tough loss of 39-38. Fernando Mendoza finished with 285 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. Jack Endries caught three balls for 78 yards and a TD.
Pittsburgh Panthers Betting Preview
Over on the Panthers’ side, they got past Kent State 55-24 in their 2024 opener. Game two was a tight win over Cincinnati 28-27, then came another close one 38-34 over West Virginia. Pittsburgh took another blowout win 73-17 over Youngstown State in game four.
In the North Carolina game, the Panthers powered out a 34-24 victory with 10 unanswered points in the final quarter. Quarterback Eli Holstein logged 381 yards with three TDs and one interception while also leading the rush with 76 yards and another score on 10 carries.
Why the Pittsburgh Panthers will win
- California has lost each of its last 10 games against AP-ranked teams.
- Pittsburgh has won seven of its last eight home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Pittsburgh has covered the spread in each of its last six games at Acrisure Stadium.
- California has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five road games in October.
- California has lost the first half in nine of its last 11 road games against conference opponents.
Why the California Golden Bears will win
- Pittsburgh has lost four of its last six October games as a home favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
- California has covered the spread in four of its last five games against conference opponents.
- Pittsburgh has failed to cover the spread in nine of its last 12 October games as a home favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
- California has won the first half in four of its last five games against conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of California’s last six games against AP-ranked teams has gone OVER the total points line.
- Eleven of Pittsburgh’s last 12 home games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Pittsburgh ranks 2nd among FBS teams for Q4 points per game this season (14.6).
- Pittsburgh ranks 3rd among FBS teams for H2 points per game this season (23.6).
- California ranks T6th among FBS teams for Q2 opponent points per game this season (2.0).
- California ranks 8th among FBS teams for Q3 opponent points per game this season (1.6).
Pittsburgh vs California Prediction
I’m going with Pittsburgh. The Panthers got a couple of big receiving performances in their victory over North Carolina last weekend (specifically from Desmond Reid and Konata Mumpfield) which helped propel the team to 381 passing yards (520 total). Pittsburgh posted 6.8 yards per play and had just five penalties during the game. That makes 28 or more points in every game so far this year.
As for Cal, on Saturday they stood up to Miami until the final quarter and ultimately left with a tough defeat. The Bears gave up 575 total yards (437 passing) and 30 first downs in the loss. On the other side, Cal had just 13 first downs and went 2-of-10 on third-down conversions. The Bears’ last two games have been close though, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see them looking good here.
