The Washington State Cougars (2-1, 0-0) will head to take on the California Golden Bears (4-0, 1-0) this week in a contest between two teams off to strong starts. The country’s fifth-leading passer, Jared Goff (1,240 yards, 11 TDs), and fourth-leading passer, Luke Falk (1,070 yards, 8 TDs) will be featured in this game. It will air Saturday, Oct 3 at 4:00 p.m. ET on PACN.
In last week’s matchup, California defeated Washington 30-24. Kenny Lawler had a great game in the victory, pulling in seven receptions for 112 yards and one TD. Bryce Treggs had a great game as well, adding 83 receiving yards and a TD on five catches. Washington State defeated Wyoming 31-14 in its last game before the bye. Dom Williams had a huge game for the Cougars, grabbing three receptions for 53 yards and two TDs. Luke Falk also had a great game with 303 yards and two TDs through the air.
The odds between the Golden Bears and the Cougars are even this week, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently not available.
Sitting at 4-0 Straight Up (SU) and 3-1 Against The Spread (ATS), the Golden Bears will look to improve heading into Week 5. They are averaging 45.8 points per game, 10th-best in the nation. When the Golden Bears pass the ball, they do so at a high percentage. They complete passes 67.1% of the time they throw, 24th in the nation. The Cougars might have a tough time putting up points against California’s scoring defense, which gives up 22.2 points per game. In the first quarter, California is tough to stop, putting up 11.2 points in the first 15 minutes.
As for their opponent, the Cougars haven’t fared well ATS, sitting at 1-2. However, they are 2-1 SU this season. Chances are Washington State will continue to rely on its passing attack, where its 362.7 passing yards per game ranks ninth in the nation. Moving on to the Washington State defense, it has some favorable matchups that it may be able to take advantage of as well. The California offensive line better prepare this week because the Cougars get to opposing quarterbacks with ease. The Cougars defense is currently 16th in the country with an average of three sacks per game. California needs to keep its intensity through the fourth quarter against the Cougars, who average 11.3 points in the final 15 minutes of regulation.
Predictions: SU Winner – California, ATS Winner – California
Notes
California is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games.
California is 6-17 ATS in its last 23 games at home.
California is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games at home.
California is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing Washington State.
California is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Washington State.
California is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Washington State.
Washington State is 2-1 SU when leading at the half this season. California is 3-0 SU when taking a lead into halftime.
Dating back to last season, California is only 3-6 SU against Pac-12 opponents, while Washington State is just 1-7 SU against in-conference foes.
When analyzing just in-conference ranks, Washington State has the edge in the passing game. Its passing attack (ranked first in the Pac-12) will face the third-ranked pass defense of California, while its first-ranked pass defense will look to limit the third-ranked passing game of the Golden Bears.
California also has an advantage in the run game when analyzing just conference rankings. Its fifth-ranked rushing attack will face the 12th-ranked run defense of Washington State, while its fifth-ranked rush defense will look to contain the 12th-ranked ground game of the Cougars.
