[metabet_core_odds_compare query=”ncaaf/california” size=”300×250″ site_id=”atsio” css=”float:right; margin-left:10px”]It is great to have the Pac-12 back and fans will get a fun opening weekend matchup when the Washington Huskies and Cal Golden Bears face off on Saturday, November 7, 2020. Both teams are contenders for the Pac-12 North crown as Cal was picked to finish second and Washington was slotted in at third. This game will air live on ESPN at 10:30 p.m. EST.
Washington had a disappointing 2019 season as they were picked to finish second in the Pac-12 North preseason poll but stumbled to third place after an 8-5 overall record and 4-5 record in conference play. Last season ended up being the final season for head coach Chris Petersen, who lasted six seasons in Seattle. Washington went 1-1 in rivalry games, losing to Oregon and beating Washington State, and ended their season with a Las Vegas Bowl win over Boise State.
California had an impressive 2019 season that had them picked to finish fifth in the Pac-12 North preseason poll but saw them finish the season in second place thanks to an 8-5 overall record and 4-5 in the Pac-12. The Golden Bears won both of their rivalry games, against Stanford and UCLA, and finished the season with a Redbox Bowl win over the Illinois Fighting Illinois.
Below is my pick for the Washington Huskies at California Bears. All odds are from BetRivers Sportsbook.
Washington Huskies (-2.5) at California Bears: O/U 46.5 (-114/-107)
The Washington Huskies have yet to name a starting QB as there is a battle between Jacob Sirmon, Kevin Thomson, Dylan Morris, and Ethan Garbers. Sirmon is expected to win the battle and will rely on tight end Cade Otton and running back Richard Newton on offense. Defensively, the Huskies will be led by linebackers Joe Tyron and Ryan Bowman, and secondary players Elijah Molden and Kyler Gordon.
California should be good on offense this season as QB Chase Garbers returns and will rely on running back Christopher Brown and wide receiver Nikko Remigio as the skill positions. Offensive linemen Jake Curhan and Michael Staffell will anchor a strong offensive line. Defensively, the Golden Bears will be led by the linebacking trio of Cameron Goode, Kuony Deng, and Tevin Paul. Secondary is also a strongpoint for this talented Cal defense thanks to corner Camryn Bynum and corner/safety Elijah Hicks.
Series History: Cal has won the last two meetings between these two schools, but Washington leads the all-time series 54-41-4.
CFB Predictions: I like Cal +2.5 during the Pac-12 opening weekend.
2020 CFB Picks Results: 24-17