If the game looks and feels like a Pac-12 game…
Of course, it is not a Pac-12 game since Oregon State is kind of a Pac-12 team and Cal is now in the ACC.
The Bears are in a very important game because they have lost their last four games. Following a 14–9 loss to Florida State on the first game, the last three losses were all by a total of four points.
The rest of their games are not terrible, but they need to win three of their last five to bowl. Next up is a trip to Wake Forest. After that are trips to Syracuse and Stanford.
Oregon State has lost two straight games, which has hurt its defense. It now has to do some work on the road before facing San Jose State and going to Air Force.
Those games can be won, but getting a fifth win here will make things a lot easier. The Beavers’ last two games are against Washington State and Boise State, which are both tough.
Oregon State vs Cal Preview
Oregon State vs Cal How to Watch
Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024
Game Time: 4:00 pm ET
Venue: California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, CA
How to Watch: ESPN2
Cal (3-4), Oregon State (4-3)
Why Oregon State Will Win
The Beavers’ running game has been great.
Last week’s loss to UNLV was a bad one, but Anthony Hankerson and the backups were great for most of the season except for the Oregon game. But it is about carrying a lot of stuff and making a lot of space.
The Beavers are 4-0 when they run for 237 yards or more and 0-3 when they don’t. It needs to keep pounding the ball, keep converting on third downs, and keep winning the fight for time of possession.
This is not a very good Cal team. The Beavers need to run the clock and end plays by putting the Bears deep in their own territory. On the other side, the defense needs to step up the pressure.
No one at Cal can protect quarterback Fernando Mendoza very well, but…
Why Cal Will Win
Oregon State’s pass rush is one of the worst in the country. This group does not put any pressure on you.
The Cal defense, on the other hand, should step up and stop the Beavers from running the ball.
Again, Oregon State needs to run for at least 237 yards to win. At least, that is what they have done so far. Cal has not given up more than 145 yards on the ground yet. So, with that…
Oregon State vs Cal: Who Will Win
Oregon State could throw a little to make up for it, but the running game has to be great for this to really work.
Cal’s defense might not be great, but its running game will get the attack going. This is the end of the losing run.
Oregon State vs Cal Prediction, Betting Lines
Cal 31, Oregon State 21
Line: Cal -10.5, o/u: 49.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3
Oregon State vs Cal Must See Rating: 3
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