Cal opens as 19.5 to 20.5 point favorites vs UC Davis
Cal opens as 19.5 to 20.5 point favorites vs UC Davis
We've made it everyone.
The college football season is upon us. We have a Cal football line out for the people.
The California Golden Bears start the season this Saturday against the UC Davis Aggies. And depending on the sportsbook you look at, Vegas has Cal as significant favorites, listed as 19.5 (BallyBet) to 20.5 (FanDuel) point favorites. FBS vs. FCS matchups aren’t always listed, so there might be some further movement on this line later in the week.
Cal went 6-7 against the spread last season.
This line is interesting with regards to how high it iis, as Justin Wilcox has never posted an impressive performance against an FCS opponent.
Cal was 15 point favorites against Idaho last season; they won by 14.
Cal was 14 point favorites against UC Davis two years prior; they won by 21.
Cal was 23.5 point favorites vs. Sacramento State in 2021; they won by 12.
Prior to COVID, Cal was 15.5 point favorites against UC Davis in 2019 (won by 14), 37.5 point favorites vs. Idaho State (won by 22), and 26 point favorites vs. Weber State (won by 13).
So Cal is 1-5 against the spread vs. the FCS, having never won by more than three touchdowns. Admittedly it’s all against the Big Sky, arguably the hardest FCS conference out there.
To see a line this high indicates some relative level of confidence of talent disparity between the Bears and the Aggies. Or maybe they have underestimated FCS West yet again?
We will find out a week, in the stadium overlooking the Bay.
Cal fans, early thoughts on the line?
The focus will be on making sure are the elements are in working order, and as Jimmy says, trying to be consistent for four quarters. If the defense keeps them off the board, our running game is dominant and helps open up the passing game, it could be a blowout, but that would never be Wilcox's goal. Also, there is the element of showing the bare minimum of the playbook to Auburn. This is especially true since we have a new OC, and teams will have to be guessing what he's going to try to do with the offense.
A good test early for Wilcox…can they put together 4 good quarters and win comfortably.
Seem to recall a few of Wilcox’s previous teams going 3 & out to start the 3Q in a one-score game early in the season v an overmatched foe and having to sweat it out. Hoping to avoid that: a steady, workmanlike game where they shake off the rust but play like a 20-point favorite should v the Aggies would be a nice first step for this inaugural ACC year.