Not that long ago, California was one of the top-scoring teams in college football. For all that they were just half of a team. That is because then head coach Sonny Dykes failed to field a defense that could complement his prolific passing attack. Namely, new head coach Justin Wilcox has changed all of that. Wilcox has made the Golden Bears defense into a college football betting asset. At the same time, Cal has now emerged as a bona fide Pac 12 Conference favorite. By contrast, Ole Miss will struggle to attain bowl eligibility this year.
California Golden Bears vs. Ole Miss Rebels
| Date and Time: | Saturday, September 21, 2019, Noon ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Vaught Hemmingway Stadium, Oxford, Mississippi |
| California vs. Ole Miss TV Coverage: | ESPNU |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | +2½ (-110) | 41½ (-110) | +115 |  |
| Mississippi | -2½ (-110) | 41½ (-110) | -135 | |
| ||||
California Golden Bears vs. Ole Miss Rebels Overview
Now California is 3-0 straight up, 1-2 against the spread, and 0-3 under the total. Cal is coming off a 23-17 win over North Texas as 14.5-point home overlays. Ole Miss is 2-1 straight up, 1-2 vs. The odds and 1-2 under the total. Specifically, the Rebels are still trying to dig out of NCAA sanctions from the past two years. The offense is no longer a sportsbook asset for the Rebels as it was under Hugh Freeze. More emphatically, new offensive coordinator, Rich Rodriguez is struggling to ignite the unit. Ole Miss is yet to show an identifiable team strength.
Head coach Matt Luke is an Ole Miss alum that took over the program after Freeze departed in disgrace. Yet from the start of his tenure has been the sense that he is not long for the job. Even the hiring of Rodriguez and defensive coordinator Mike MacIntyre has not appeased his critics. It follows that it is bowl or bust for Luke.
Key Golden Bears: QB Chase Garbers (478 YDS, 53% COMP, 7.0 AVG, 3 TD, 1 INT, 123.6 RTG, 38 RSH, 130 YDS, 3.4 YPC, 0 TD), RB Christopher Brown Jr (65 RSH, 324 YDS, 5.0 YDS, 2 TD, 6 REC, 39 YDS, 6.5 YPC, 0 TD), WR Kekoa Crawford (7 REC, 146 YDS, 20.9 YPC, 2 TD), PK Greg Thomas (7-7 XP, 7-8 FG)
Key Rebels: QB Matt Corral (578 YDS, 63% COMP, 7.9 AVG, 4 TD, 1 IND, 144.9 RTG), RB Scottie Phillips (71 RSH, 308 YDS, 4.3 YPC, 4 TD), WR Elijah Moore (18 REC, 278 YDS, 15.4 YPC, 3 TD),
California and Ole Miss Vs. The Line
The Golden Bears are:
- 7-1 against the spread on the road
- 1-9 under the total away from home
- Against Ole Miss 1-0 against the spread with under the total
The Rebels are:
- 5-14 against the spread at home
- 3-5 under the total at Vaught Hemmingway Stadium
Cal vs. Ole Miss College Football Betting Picks
As was previously noted Cal is a strong college football betting value on the road. And Ole Miss is one of the worst values on the board as a home team. Cal’s defense should be the difference in this matchup. In like manner, the Rebels offense should continue to flounder against the Bears.
Cal vs. Ole Miss College Football Betting Prediction: California Golden Bears
Cal vs. Ole Miss College Football Score Prediction: Cal 24, Ole Miss 20
Catch highlights of Cal’s win over North Texas!