California vs Stanford Week 12 Expert Betting Pick

Each year, the California Golden Bears and the Stanford Cardinals meet in the Big Game, which had its first iteration in 1892. It’s the seventh-longest rivalry in college sports, and Stanford leads Cal 61-46 with 11 ties. Stanford has won six meetings in a row, winning last year at home, 35-22. Be sure to look out for more college football odds by clicking here.

California vs Stanford Week 12 Expert Betting Pick & TV Info

Anyone else excited that we are just one month from kickoff?#GoBears pic.twitter.com/HxMZXTs1sO

— Cal Football (@CalFootball) July 27, 2016

When: Saturday, Nov. 19, TBD Where: Memorial Stadium , Berkeley, CA TV: TBA Stream: Pac-12 Network Live Radio: Stanford / California Opening NCAAF Lines: Stanford by TBA

Why should you bet on Cal?

Despite the departure of quarterback Jared Goff to the NFL (where he was the top draft pick), they have Davis Webb transferring in to take over the offense, so there should not be much of a dropoff. Webb comes from Texas Tech, where he learned how to throw accurate passes quickly in their spread scheme. As a graduate transfer, he does not have to sit out a year, and the Bear Raid offense is similar to what Tech ran. Webb has an offensive line with four starters coming back, and he has three tailbacks who each went over 500 yards last season. Defense is still a question — Cal permitted 30.7 points per game last season — but the line should be stronger, with DeVante Wilson and James Looney coming back. They need a solid cornerback opposite Darius Allensworth, but they should be solid against the run.

Why should you put your money on the Cardinal?

The Cardinal running attack will push Cal’s defense to the limit with Christian McCaffrey returning to the backfield. Last year, the Cardinal averaged 37.8 points per game, but they need either Keller Chryst or Ryan Burns to step into that starting quarterback role to keep teams from loading up the box against the run. The defense could be a little vulnerable, as they are bringing in multiple new starters on the line, the linebacking corps and the secondary. The top priority for that unit is ensuring that the line is solid. Solomon Thomas comes back and is a fierce talent. However, if the other linemen don’t cause trouble, opponents will just double up Thomas.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

I like Cal to flip the script against Stanford and take a win here. This promises to be a rebuilding year for the Cardinal defense, and Cal has the tools to take advantage. I’m predicting a 31-21 Golden Bear win.