College Football Predictions: Is Cal a good bet to cover vs. USC? 9/23/17
Is underdog Cal a good bet to cover the point spread this afternoon against USC?
The Odds: USC at Cal, 3:30 PM ET, Memorial Stadium
After opening as a 16-point favorite, the Trojans are now -17 according to oddsmakers. The total, meanwhile, hit the board at 63.5 before climbing to the current number of 64.5.
USC Trojans Betting Trends
The Trojans are now 7-3 against the spread in their last 10 games after failing to cover last week in a victory over the Texas Longhorns. USC is also 3-7 against the number in its last 10 road games, is 1-4 against the spread in its last five games in September, and 2-6 ATS in its last eight games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in its previous game.
Cal Golden Bears Betting Trends
Despite covering the spread last Saturday night versus Ole Miss, the Golden Bears are still just 1-5 against the number in their last six games versus a team with a winning record. They’re also winless at 0-4 against the number in their last four games coming off a successful cover in their previous contest.
Our Prediction
I don’t think the Trojans are firing on all cylinders yet as a team, but that doesn’t mean I think they’ll put it all together today. The Golden Bears are 3-0 after coming from behind in the second half of all three games. Cal has outscored its opponents 57-13 after halftime this season. The Golden Bears have also forced three turnovers in each of their first three games this season and own a better turnover margin than the Trojans.
Speaking of USC, the Trojans struggled against Western Michigan in Week 1 before eventually pulling away in the second half. The Trojans also had issues versus Texas last week despite being a double-digit home favorite. Now, in their first road test of 2017, they’re being asked to cover a big number. I don’t like it.
College Football Week 4 Prediction: Cal Golden Bears +17
