California Golden Bears at Oregon Ducks Betting Preview

The Pac-12 Conference continues to be one of the most interesting leagues in the country, and the action will actually begin on Friday night in Week 7. The Oregon Ducks are set to host the California Golden Bears in a game that will have an impact on the Pac-12 title race.

California comes into this game with a record of just 1-4, and they have now lost two straight games. The Golden Bears have not yet won a Pac-12 Conference game this season, and they are going to be a big underdog in this game.

Oregon looked to be one of the best teams in the country through the first four games, but then disaster struck. The Ducks suffered an overtime loss to Stanford just two weeks ago, and they are trying to get their season back on track.

The Oregon Ducks are 13.5-point favorites over the California Golden Bears on Friday night.

California Needs to Score

If California is going to keep this game close on Friday night, then they are going to have to find some offense. The Golden Bears are scoring 24 points per game this season, but they managed just six points in their most recent loss.

Quarterback Chase Garbers has thrown seven touchdowns this season, but he also has five interceptions. California can’t afford to turn the ball over in this game, or it’s going to be a long night for that defense.

The California defense is allowing over 27 points per game this season, and they are facing a team that scores points in a hurry.

Ducks Can Be Explosive

Oregon is scoring 35.8 points per game this season, but that offense failed to deliver in the loss to Stanford. The Ducks are going to need to take control of this game on that side of the ball if they want to get their season back on track.

Running back CJ Verdell has been the offensive star for Oregon up to this point, racking up 406 yards and six touchdowns. Quarterback Anthony Brown needs to be sharp as well, but it’s the rushing attack of the Ducks that can control this game.

Defensively, Oregon is allowing just 21 points per game. If the Ducks are able to stop the run on Friday night, then it will be a long night for California.

California Covers in Loss

Even though the Golden Bears are just 1-4 on the season, they have shown the ability to battle against some of the better Pac-12 Conference opponents. Playing in Eugene is never easy for visiting teams, and it’s hard to see California having enough offense to win this game.

Oregon can’t afford any more losses if they want to get back into the College Football Playoff conversation, and they need to make a statement in this game. The Ducks will show some rust early in this matchup, but they will ultimately take control and stay on top of the conference race.

Take the 13.5 points and bet on the California Golden Bears on Friday night, but it will be the Oregon Ducks that pick up this Pac-12 Conference win.

Keep up with your latest NCAA football news coverage and betting pick previews at The Dunkel Index.