California Golden Bears vs SMU Mustangs Prediction, Odds & Picks

As we wrap up the season and consider our California Bears vs SMU Mustangs prediction, SMU has already punched its ticket to the conference title game regardless of the outcome of Saturday’s games. Nevertheless, the Mustangs have their sights set on bigger goals, and with a win here, they could be in the College Football Playoff regardless of the outcome of the title game. I don’t expect SMU to let up unless they have a massive lead and can rest starters. However, Cal’s defense should be too good to be completely blown off the field. Still, with Cal already bowl eligible and SMU playing with everything on the line, I expect the Mustangs to jump ahead early and continue to work from there. With an opening line just under 14 points, it looks like Vegas is begging us to take SMU and maybe trying to trap us, but I will trap. Give me SMU -13.5.

Let’s start with the Bears, who have won 3 of their last 4 games. This is supposed to be a spread offense with a solid rushing attack, but here at the end of the season, the Bears are one of the worst rushing attacks in the nation. SMU can also be bullies defensively, so Cal will likely become 1-dimensional. I expect SMU to keep Cal off the scoreboard for the most part. This spread is a matter of the other side of the ball. SMU plays a fast-paced offense, but Cal’s defense is tough – ranking in the nation’s top 40 in total defense. Still, I think this is one spot where the Mustangs can’t afford to fool around — and if they find the endzone much at all, they should pull away. SMU will lock down Cal defensively and I think the ‘Stangs will get just enough offense to cover that number.

California vs SMU prediction: SMU -13.5 (-110) available at time of publication. Can be played on that track.

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