Utah at California – Preview and Prediction
CALIFORNIA 2.5 UTAH (65)
Implied Projected Score: California 33.75 Utah 31.25
MEGALOCKS LINE – CAL PK EM
The Game
The Utah Utes bring their undefeated 4-0 record on the road with them when they visit Cal on Saturday. Utah is doing what they do. Win. They played an even game with USC at home last Friday night and came out on top late. Cal is sitting at 2-2 but have played three tough games in a row. They could have won all of them. They somehow allowed Arizona St to score a magical 31 points in the 4th quarter after playing really good football for three quarters. This is a very intriguing match-up.
The Match-Up
California offense vs Utah defense
Davis Webb has been really good so far this season. And he passes the eye test as far as toughness and accuracy. Webb has connected for 18 TD passes so far and has hooked up with the HUMAN HIGHLIGHT REEL Chad Hansen an amazing 50 times in four games. The RBs are very good. We have been particularly impressed with new MEGALOCKS favorite Khalfani Muhammad who is short in stature but an extremely tough dude to bring down.
The Utes are playing their usual strong brand of defense and are ranked #25 in total defense. More importantly, they are #15 in pass efficiency defense and have only allowed 2 TD passes all season. They have not faced anything close to the Cal passing attack but they have a fine secondary and are very well coached.
Utah offense vs California defense
Utah is developing a nice balance on offense. QB Troy Williams has been steady and led a comeback vs USC last week. The running game is really getting rolling and RB Zack Moss appears to be getting better every week. Tim Patrick is the Utah version of Chad Hansen. The go-to guy. He has 20 catches for 385 yards. Utah should be able to pound away at the SOFT UNDERBELLY of the Cal defense and play keep away. Utah is #13 in time of possession. However, keep this is mind. The Golden Bears played really good run defense last week and held a very good Arizona St running attack to only 164 yards on 50 carries. That was impressive.
MEGA Mini-Bites
Utah is 4-1 L5 SU vs Cal and won last year in Utah 30-24…..Keep in mind that Cal was 5-1 SU last season at home and are 1-0 this year with a nice win vs Texas…..not saying just saying.
Summary
Really tough game to cap. We usually lean to the stronger defensive teams in these type of match-ups and feel that way about this one.
Conclusion
Official play: None.
Lean: Utah if you can get +3 at some point tomorrow. Also lean under any number 64 or better.