Welcome to our weekly predictions post from our writers. You’ll see what they expect the score to be and any wacky or rational predictions they expect to see in each game!
Christopher_h
Scoreline: Cal wins 38-14
UC Davis's RB Lan Larison eventually bulldozes his way to a couple scores after a heavy workload (30+ carries), but I don't think they have the firepower through the air to really challenge the Cal defense. UC Davis has some big question marks at LB and struggles with run support up the middle, and Jaydn Ott blasts off a couple huge runs for TDs. UC Davis's defensive line (e.g. Kennedy) challenges a green Cal offensive line. Lastly, I think UC Davis transfer LB Teddye Buchanan is going to be a huge addition to the Cal defense this season, and he's flying under the radar so far. I expect some big things from him as well.
Berkelium97
Scoreline: Cal wins 27-10
I'm expecting another torturous FCS matchup where the Bears fall behind early and we spend most of the first half wringing our hands about how mediocre the team looks. Then the Bears shake off the rust and cruise to victory in the second half.
Rob Hwang
Scoreline: Cal wins 59-17
Bears go up big to start the game, second string and third string in by halfway through the 3rd quarter. Bears give up 2 touchdowns late in the 4th.
Ruey Yen
Scoreline: Cal wins 31-14
One way or another, both Fernando Mendoza and Chandler Rogers will get drives as the QB in this game.
TD_24
Scoreline: Cal wins 31-14
Plodding start like usual against a FCS team but then both sides of the ball do what they need to do in order to set themselves up for Auburn
Former Twitter User Mpete91
Scoreline: Cal wins 42-28
The Jaydn Ott Heisman campaign begins with 175 yards, 2 rushing TDs, and 1 receiving TD.
Piotr T Le
Scoreline: Cal wins 31-21
Cal will start slow like we always do, I actually expect us to be tied or up by only 3 at the half only to have the team get into gear. Davis will keep the score close with a late TD where we let them slowly move down the field for a meaningless TD. I really want to see Reese/Carlton's play on the edge and if the DBs can hold up in single coverage more. But I don't expect the defense or offense to put anything on tape that is more complicated than maybe a late coverage shift.
Give the points. It will be a bonanza!
A rotation of Mendoza+Rogers prove to be a big upgrade over Jackson+Finley and both have no trouble getting the ball into the hands of our skill positions, who overmatch the Davis defensive backfield. No questions are answered and we cruise on offense behind either QB to set the stage for not naming a starting QB during Auburn week as planned.
Question is will the defense look as good as it should in this game and avoid sustained drives against their talented RB and get off the field, and will they force turnovers keeping the game out of reach.
42-24 Bears, after a garbage time Davis score