The Utah Utes invade Berkeley for a PAC-12 showdown against the California Bears on Saturday, October 1st at 6:00 p.m. ET. The game will be shown on the PAC-12 Network for you viewing pleasure. The Bears are -2 point favorites and the over/under has been placed at 67.
Last week at home, Utah beat another PAC-12 team the USC Trojans 31-27. The Utes scored 14 points in the fourth quarter to seal a come from behind victory. The Cal Bears allowed the Sun Devils to score 17 unanswered points and fell to Arizona State in a shoot-out 51 to 41.
#18 Utah (4-0):
This may not be the same offensive team as it was when Devontae Booker was under center, but it still can run the ball effectively. Utah also proved last weekend that they can get it done through the air when they have to. As a result, Utah’s head coach Kyle Whittingham is one win away from his 100th career victory.
Quarterback Troy Williams has done well after stepping in to fill some pretty big shoes. The new signal-caller for the Utes has completed 75 passes for just under 1,000 yards with six touchdowns and four picks. He also has notched a score while running the football.
Utah pounds away at opposing defenses with four strong tail backs, that share the carries equally. Altogether, they have forwarded the rock 135 times for almost 600 yards and four trips to the promise land.
Shifty receiver Tim Patrick, leads a group of wide outs that Troy Williams likes to spread the ball around to. Patrick has 20 catches for 385 yards and five scores. Six other Ute receivers have five or more catches apiece.
It’s business as usual on the defensive side of the ball for Utah. The Ute secondary has been stellar throughout four contests. Nevertheless, they haven’t faced anything like what the Cal Bears will bring to the showdown. Utah is currently 17th in the nation in points allowed (15.8), and are 29th against the pass 182.2 yards).
California (2-2):
The California Bears offense is proving that it might be even better than it was when Jared Goff was there. The amazing ariel stats are starting to speak for themselves. Davis Webb has been able to stretch defenses out and come through late in close games. Webb has just under 140 completions for a mind-boggling 1,837 yards and a whopping 18 touchdowns. Oh by the way, he has thrown five interceptions.
When the Bears do decide to use their backs to run the ball, they do so by committee. California uses three backs that are led by Vic Enware. Enware has gathered just under 300 yards on 49 carries and two touchdowns.
Davis Webb’s favorite target when chucking the ball all over God’s green earth is wide receiver Chad Hansen. Hansen, a Idaho State transfer has already reeled in 50 catches for over 650 yards and six end zone appearances. Five other wide outs have seven or more grabs for more than 120 yards receiving.
As productive as the offense is, the defense is terrifyingly porous. The Bears are ranked 117th in the country in total defense, allowing 491.8 yards per game. In part because they field the number 123rd ranked rushing defense (263.25 yards per game). That could spell big trouble if Utah can pound the ball away and keep Davis Webb off the field.
Trends and Notes:
The Utes are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 road games.
The Over is 6-0 in the Utes last 6 road games.
The Golden Bears are 8-20 ATS in their last 28 home games.
The Over is 6-0 in Golden Bears last 6 games overall.
Game Prediction:
This is another contrast in styles when Utah takes on California Saturday afternoon. Utah likes to pound the rock to move the chains and take advantage in the passing game off of play-action. California throws the ball early and often, accumulating yardage in massive chunks. Their run game is there to try to keep the defense honest.
Even though there are discrepancies on the offensive side of the ball, there might be even more on the defensive side. The big difference is that Utah actually plays defense. Davis Webb will surely keep them busy, if he can get enough time on the field. The Bears have a hard time stopping the run and that’s falls right into Utah’s wheel-house.
The Utes field the better all-around team and that should be the difference in this Saturday afternoon match-up in sunny California. Think dog and take Utah to stay undefeated as coach Kyle Whittingham secures his 100th victory.
Utah straight-up is the pick we recommend at Get More Sports.
