With two equally impressive offenses, this game will be decided on the defensive side of the ball. Cal appears to have the edge here, considering it has only allowed 10 points in two games while Nevada gave up 24 points and 432 yards to Eastern Washington two games ago. In terms of last season, Cal ranked 72nd in total defense, while Nevada clocked in at 96th.
FoxSheets provides another reason to pick California:
Bears coach Jeff Tedford is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) off a home win by 17 points or more as the coach of CALIFORNIA. The average score was CALIFORNIA 37.1, OPPONENT 18.0 - (Rating = 2*).
This FoxSheets trend shows that due to Cal’s defensive dominance so far this year, the Under is a safe bet.
Play Under - Any team against the total (CALIFORNIA) - after allowing 14 points or less in 2 straight games against opponent after leading in their previous game by 24 or more points at the half. (48-19 over the last 10 seasons.) (71.6%, +27.1 units. Rating = 3*).