California vs. UNLV Prediction: Week 5 Odds, Picks & Best Bet
My best California vs. UNLV prediction focuses on the offensive struggles of both of these teams this season. While neither defense has been great this season, the offenses have had such a hard time putting points on the board that I don't see the final score being anywhere near the posted total of 53.5.
UNLV is favored by 2.5 ahead of Saturday's 3:30 p.m. ET game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The game will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
🏈 California vs. UNLV picks & predictions
See all of our experts' college football picks for Week 5 based on the latest college football odds.
| Pick | Bet size |
|---|---|
| ATS: California +2.5 (-102 via DraftKings) | 0.5 units to win 0.49 units |
| O/U: Under 53.5 (-108 via BetMGM) | 2 units to win 1.85 units |
Total wagered: 2.5 units | Max profit: 2.34 units
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💰 California vs. UNLV prediction & best bet
Check out all of our college football predictions for more analysis across this week's slate.
Under 53.5 (-108 via BetMGM)
California ranks 91st in scoring offense, averaging just 26.0 points per game. California is averaging just 18.3 points per game against FBS competition, scoring 24 or fewer points in all three games. And just to drive the point home about how bad this offense has been, even including the 49-7 win over Wagner, California ranks 102nd in yards per play, averaging just 5.51.
UNLV's offense has been even worse, averaging just 21.5 points per game, which is tied for 114th in the country. Though UNLV scored a season-high 38 points last week, Akron's defense ranks 123rd in points allowed per game. California is allowing 8.3 fewer points per contest than Akron.
📡 SBR Edge
UNLV ranks 136th in red-zone offense, scoring on just 58.3% of trips inside the 20. Only 50% of the offense's 12 trips have resulted in touchdowns.
Neither defense is great, but both are good enough
UNLV is tied for 60th in points allowed per game, while California is tied for 74th. However, for as lackluster as those rankings are, neither team is allowing more than 23.5 points per game. UNLV is allowing 21.8 points per game, but that average is greatly inflated after allowing 44 points to the 25th-ranked offense of North Texas. UNLV has held two FBS opponents to 10 or fewer.
Though UNLV has a clear advantage against California's run defense, which is allowing 191 yards per game, California's bend-but-don't-break style will prevent UNLV from scoring once in the red zone. California ranks 18th in opponent red-zone percentage, allowing touchdowns on just six of 14 attempts this season.
Score prediction: UNLV 24 California 23
📊 California vs. UNLV odds
See the latest college football odds for every Week 5 matchup.
California vs. UNLV opening odds
- Moneyline: California +120 | UNLV -142
- Spread: California +1.5 (-110) | UNLV -1.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 53.5 (-110) | Under 53.5 (-110)
📺 How to watch California vs. UNLV: Week 5
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 3
- Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas)
- TV: CBSSN
- Streaming: Paramount+
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Sportsbook Review may receive a commission if you sign up through our links. Not intended for use in MA. Bonuses not applicable in Ontario. 21+ only. (Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
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