Justin Wilcox and the California Golden Bears look to avenge last year’s narrow 14-10 loss as they travel to face Hugh Freeze and the Auburn Tigers in Week 2.
The 2023 version of this game was a slugfest in which the teams combined for just over 500 yards of total offense and seven turnovers, so fans will hope for a cleaner game this time around. Our California vs. Auburn predictions anticipate at least some more scoring from the home team.
See why Auburn has the distinct edge over Cal in my college football picks for Saturday, September 7.
California vs Auburn prediction
My best bet
Auburn -13.5 (-105 at BetMGM)
My analysis
I’ve been negative about the Justin Wilcox tenure for a few years running and I see no reason to stop now. The California Golden Bears looked inept against an FCS opponent in Week 1, leading UC Davis by a single point (14-13) at the half while being outgained 234 to 109 and losing the first downs battle 16-4.
Cal was able to pull away for a 31-13 victory, but gaining 281 yards on 4.3 yards per play will hardly inspire confidence heading into a road matchup against an SEC school.
The Bears have one of the toughest travel schedules in the country as a new member of the ACC who must travel from coast to coast on a near-weekly basis and this Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium is just the start of their challenges.
The injury bug has already bitten Cal — the Bears were without four starters and a rotational receiver in the opener as wideoutsTobias Merriweather, Kyion Grayes, and Cole Boscia missed the contest along with offensive linemen Siope Vatikani and Will McDonald.
Star running back Jaydn Ott injured his ankle and is described as "probable" for Saturday, but it’s never a good thing when your best player is hobbled and the backup (Kadarius Calloway) is banged up himself and was also benched after a costly fumble.
When it rains it pours. The Bears have more questions than answers and have yet to decide on a starting quarterback between incumbent Fernando Mendoza and North Texas transfer Chandler Rogers.
The Auburn Tigers return nine starters on offense and should be better after ranking 64th in success rate, especially after upgrading considerably in the receiving room. The defense also returns plenty of experience with eight starters back for a unit that ranked 44th in success rate.
Auburn came out of the gates firing in a 73-3 win over Alabama A&M in Week 1, gaining 13.7 yards per play while allowing just 3.4 yards per play defensively in a nearly flawless performance. The Tigers are 4-2 ATS in their last six home games and seem to be headed in the right direction this year, while the same cannot be confidently said for their banged-up opponent.
California vs Auburn same-game parlay (SGP)
Auburn -12.5
Under 53.5
It’s hard to feel good about Cal’s offense after an underwhelming performance against UC Davis. Jake Spavital turned things around in his lone season as the offensive coordinator a year ago, but he’s since departed and leaves loads of uncertainty in his wake.
Auburn has tended to get into low-scoring games against Pac-12 opponents (former Pac-12 members now), going 0-5 O/U in its last five games against the conference.
Cal has questions at quarterback and injury issues at running back, wide receiver, and offensive line. On the flip side, Auburn scored more than 30 points just three times against FBS opponents a year ago. These teams combined for 24 points a year ago in an ugly game and while we can’t expect a repeat, the total does seem a bit high.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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California vs Auburn odds
California vs Auburn live odds
California vs Auburn opening odds
- Spread: California +11.5 (-105) | Auburn -11.5 (-115)
- Moneyline: California +425 | Auburn -600
- Over/Under: Over 52.5 (-115) | Under 52.5 (-105)
Odds courtesy of BetMGM
California vs Auburn spread and Over/Under analysis
- Cal was worse than its 4-5 record in Pac-12 play a year ago, finishing -82 in yards per game differential.
- Cal had a run of tremendous health a year ago when its combination of five offensive linemen started 11 games together. The Bears lost three starters from that group going into the year and are already dealing with injuries to two starters.
- Auburn has covered the first-half spread in five of its last six games at home. The Tigers can be had at -7 in the first half for -110 odds currently at BetMGM.
California vs Auburn betting trend to know
Cal is 4-15 straight up in its last 19 away games. Find more college football betting trends for California vs. Auburn.
California vs Auburn game info
| Location: | Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL |
| Date: | Saturday, 9-7-2024 |
| Kickoff: | 3:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN2 |
California vs Auburn latest injuries
California vs Auburn weather
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