The California Golden Bears were cruising prior to Week 5, but got ambushed at home by the Arizona Sun Devils over the weekend. They will look to get back up, as they travel to Eugene to face the No. 13 Oregon Ducks. Read on for more about this matchup below.
Betting on the California Golden Bears (4-1 Overall / 1-1 Conference)
California’s winning streak ended in four games, as the Golden Bears lost to the Arizona State Sun Devils at home last Saturday, 24-17. That wasn’t the only misfortune the Golden Bears had to endure in that game, as they also saw their starting quarterback, Chase Garbers, leave in the first period due to a shoulder injury. Garbers had 117 passing yards and a touchdown with zero interceptions on 9-of-12 completions before his exit, and it looks like he’s going to miss at least one game to recover. If that will be the case, Devon Modster will be forced to start in lieu of Garbers against Oregon. Garbers passed for 23 yards with an interception on just 5-of-14 completions in the Arizona State game. Garbers’ absence will also mean California will give its ground attack added focus — and responsibility. The Golden Bears are averaging 147.80 rushing yards per game this season — sixth in the Pac-12.
The under is 8-2 in the Golden Bears’ last 10 games.
Betting on the Oregon Ducks (3-1 Overall / 1-0 Conference)
Oregon got the job done in its first game in conference play this year, taking down the Stanford Cardinal on the road last Saturday to the tune of a 21-6 score. Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert had 259 passing yards and three touchdowns on 19-of-24 completions. Herbert has been money for Oregon this season, and having him healthy and ready to go in Week 6 is one huge advantage for the Ducks over the Golden Bears, who are staring at the possibility of missing their own starting QB for at least next Saturday’s game in Eugene. Herbert has yet to throw an interception this season, and he also has 1,127 passing yards and 14 touchdowns over Oregon’s first four games. On defense, Oregon has been sturdy overall, allowing just 13.0 points per game and 269 total yards per contest –both 11th best in the nation.
The Ducks are 3-2 against the spread (ATS) in their last five home games. They are also 5-0 ATS in their last five games at home against California dating back to 2009.
