The California Golden Bears (3-2) face off against the Pittsburgh Panthers (5-0) on Saturday, October 12th. This game will be played at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh and televised on ESPN. Pittsburgh is coming off a win in their previous game, while California is looking to get back on track from a loss to the Miami. Kickoff is set for 3:30 ET.

California Golden Bears vs Pittsburgh Panthers

 

California Offense Breakdown

California’s passing game has been the focal point of their offense, ranking 46th in passing attempts and averaging 242 yards per game. Fernando Mendoza has thrown for 1,177 yards, completing 64.8% of his passes, and has seven touchdowns with three interceptions. His passer rating is 97. Nyziah Hunter leads the receivers with 185 yards and four touchdowns.

Overall, California is 63rd in scoring, with 26 points per game, and they rank 74th in our offensive power rankings. Their third-down conversion rate is low at 36.1%, and they are 97th in rushing, averaging 132.2 yards per game. Jaivian Thomas has 287 rushing yards and is averaging 6 yards per carry.

Pittsburgh Offense Breakdown

Pittsburgh’s offense is averaging 45.6 points per game, ranking 5th in the nation as they head into week 7. Eli Holstein has thrown for 1,567 yards, leading the passing attack. He has 15 touchdowns and 3 interceptions, with a passer rating of 116. Pittsburgh is 11th in passing yards per game, averaging 340.4 yards, and they are 24th in our offensive power rankings.

Holstein has completed 65.5% of his passes this season. Pittsburgh ranks 20th in passing attempts per game and 17th in completions. On third downs, they convert 47.5% of their attempts. Desmond Reid leads the rushing game with 374 yards, averaging 6 yards per carry. Konata Mumpfield has 426 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

California Team Defense

California’s defense, ranked 20th nationally, has allowed 18 points per game this season. Against Miami, they gave up 39 points, including 437 passing yards, but also forced an interception.

Opponents have averaged 233.2 passing yards per game against Cal, completing 54.8% of their throws. On the ground, Cal has allowed 117.2 rushing yards per game, ranking 43rd nationally.

California Team Defense

Pittsburgh’s defense has allowed an average of 25.2 points per game this season, ranking 46th nationally. In their recent game against North Carolina, they gave up 24 points, allowing 416 total yards, including 269 passing yards and 147 rushing yards.

Opponents have averaged 239.2 passing yards per game against Pittsburgh, completing 55.8% of their passes. On the ground, Pittsburgh has allowed 121.6 rushing yards per game, facing an average of 38 rushing attempts per contest.

California vs Pittsburgh Trends

• In their last ten games away from home, the California Golden Bears have a straight up record of 4-6 while going 4-6 vs. the spread. The team averaged 23 points per game in this stretch.
• In their last ten games at home, the Pittsburgh Panthers have a straight up record of 4-6 while going 4-6 vs. the spread. The team averaged 22 points per game in this stretch.
• Spanning across their last three games as the betting underdog, the California Golden Bears have gone 2-1 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 1-2.
• Through their last three games as the favorite, the Pittsburgh Panthers have an ATS record of 3-0 and a straight up mark of 3-0.

Golden Bears vs Panthers Prediction

Our projections have California coming out on top in their week seven matchup against Pittsburgh with a final score of 27-25. California is the road underdog at +3, and we like their chances to not only win straight-up but also cover the spread.

For the over/under, with the line set at 59.5 points, our model suggests taking the under, as we see the combined score falling short at 52 points.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.