It’s a big-time PAC-12 North match-up when the (9) Washington State Cougars travel to Berkley to play the Cal Bears in some Friday night college football action. The contest is slated to begin on Friday, October 13th at 7:00 p.m. EST and can be seen on the ESPN network. Coming into this inner-conference clash, the Cougars are a -13.5 point favorite and the game’s total now sits at 53 points.
The Washington State Cougars remained undefeated as they cruised past the Oregon Ducks 33-10 last Saturday on the road. It was a nice performance considering people thought they might let off the gas after their huge win over USC the week before. As of now, they are poised for a showdown with the Washington Huskies in the Apple Cup for the PAC-12 crown.
The Cal Bears lost their third straight match as they were manhandled 38-7 on the road by the #6 Washington Huskies last weekend. The Bears started the year 3-0 but has fallen three straight times to conference foes by a combined 113-51. Once again, Cal was no match for the mighty Huskies on the road but hope that a trip back home to Berkley can get things headed in the right direction.
(9) Washington State Huskies (6-0)
The Washington State Cougars avoided a let down when they beat an undermanned Oregon squad last weekend. At first, the Cougars trailed the Ducks 10-7 at the end of the first quarter. At that point, the Cougars’ defense dug in while their potent passing attack got rolling. As a result, Washington State put up 26 unanswered points and cruised to victory.
While the defense was shutting down the Ducks’ offense, quarterback Luke Falk got down to business. Although his numbers weren’t spectacular, he did throw for 282 yards with three touchdowns and no picks. As one of the best signal-callers in the nation, Falk has been sensational with 2000 yards through the air. He also has 19 scoring tosses and only three interceptions this season. The Cal Bears are ranked 109th in the country against the pass and should have their hands full when Falk comes into town this Friday.
After recording a 91 yard one touchdown performance against the Trojans, running back Jamal Morrow struggled to get things going against Oregon. In fact, he only toted the rock three time for four yards. Overall, the Cougars’ number one rusher has compiled 288 yards via the ground with two scores. Morrow is an outstanding pass catcher out of the backfield, reeling in 23 catches for 179 yards and five touchdowns.
Luke Falk has never had a problem spreading the ball around since becoming the man in Pullman. That also was the case against Oregon last weekend. Five different receivers caught at least two passes including Jamal Morrow’s five for 46 yards and a score. Tavares Martin Jr. is clearly Falk’s number one option, grabbing 34 balls for 464 yards and a team-high seven touchdowns.
The biggest surprise for the Washington State Cougars has been the outstanding play of their underrated defense in 2017. The Cougars front seven has limited opposing offenses to only 129 yards per game on the ground (42nd). The back half of the defense has been even better. Washington State is also holding teams to only 146 yards through the air this season (6th). Overall, they are allowing schools only 18 points per contest.
Cal Bears (3-3)
The Cal Bears’ offense was snuffed out by the Huskies defense who pitched a shutout in the first half. In fact, the Bears didn’t get onto the scoreboard until they were already down 31-0. To make matters worse, Cal was outgained 377-93 and gave up 22 first downs while picking up only nine of their own.
Quarterback Ross Bowers had his worst performance of the season, throwing for only 80 yards with no touchdowns. Throughout his first six games, Bowers has been average at best. The sophomore signal-caller has passed for 1,437 yards with nine touchdowns and eight interceptions.
The running game has been the weak link for Cal halfway through their 2017 campaign. Unfortunately, they rank 109th in the country with 96.8 yards per contest. Tailback Patrick Laird is the Bears’ leading rusher, collecting 400 yards and six scores. Laird’s 6.1 yards per rush isn’t bad but he has had little help from his backfield mates.
Three wideouts carry the offense when Cal attempts to move the chains through the air. Together, the trio has combined for 66 passes for over 950 yards and seven scores. Vic Wharton III leads this unit was 27 receptions and 397 yards. Both him and Jordan Veasy lead the team with three touchdown grabs on the year.
As in the past, the Cal Bears continue to struggle on the defensive side of the football. Once again, the Bears are weak defending the run, allowing 172 yards a game (83rd). The secondary is even worse, letting opposing quarterbacks toss for 264 yards a game (109th). This is especially relevant because Luke Falk is one of the premier passers in Division I football.
Prediction
Well, one thing is for sure, the Cal Bears secondary has their work cut out for them in this match-up. Cougars quarterback Luke Falk is no joke and now he has a defense to back him. That spells trouble for a team that can’t defend the pass and struggles to run the football.
Another thing to consider when taking a look at playing this contest for a little cash is how Washington State has seemed to mature in 2017. They certainly proved that by finishing off the Trojans at home and then rebounding quite well on the road against the Ducks. Let’s face it, odds gurus thought they were set up for a letdown game against the Ducks but that just didn’t happen.
The Cougars defense has been money through the first six games of the season and I can’t find a reason why they will struggle against an average Cal offense. That bodes well for a club that has put up at least 30 points per game in all six of their match-ups. Cal may find a few ways to score at home, but it won’t be enough to overcome the Cougars potent offense.
Historically, Cal has owned Washington State but I believe that will not be the case in this game. Take the Cougars while it’s still under two touchdowns and I wouldn’t be afraid of the over 53 either. Even though the Cougars have been playing lights-out on the defense side, Cal should be good for 17-21 points at home. If so, The Cougars offense should produce enough of their own to make that over pop. Washington State wins this one 38-20 and goes to 7-0 on the season. #moneytreesgrow
Trends
The Cougars are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
The Cougars are 15-6 ATS in their last 21 conference games.
The Over is 4-1 in the Cougars last 5 road games.
The Golden Bears are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 conference games.
The Golden Bears are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 Friday games.
The Under is 4-1 in the Golden Bears last 5 games overall.
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