COLLEGE FOOTBALL
California enters with a 2-1 record and a two-game winning streak, posting 31.3 points per game and 428.3 yards per game, led by a passing attack that averages 321.7 yards per game. Clemson is also 2-1 and has won two straight, but its offense is much less explosive at 20.0 points and 297.7 yards per game, with only 172.3 passing yards per game. Defensively, Cal allows 23.3 points and 365.3 yards per game, while Clemson allows 26.0 points and 419.7 yards per game, which points to a game where Cal should have chances to move the ball but Clemson may struggle to keep pace offensively.
California has the stronger offensive profile and Clemson’s scoring output has been modest, especially on the road where its efficiency has dipped. With Clemson averaging 20.0 points per game and 2.8 yards per play away from home, the under on Clemson’s team total is the best value angle. My projected score is California Golden Bears 27, Clemson Tigers 23, which keeps Clemson below its team total while landing near the full-game number as well.
