Pac-12: Week four predictions, previews, and picks against the spread

Sep 19, 2015; Austin, TX, USA; California Golden Bears running back Tre Watson (5) carries the ball against the Texas Longhorns during the third quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Cal beat Texas 45-44. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

California Golden Bears at Washington Huskies

Seattle, Washington

The Line: Cal -1

The Golden Bears finally getting some love as they head into a Pac-12 road game as the favorite. Cal walked into Austin, Texas last week and jumped all over the Longhorns, going up 45-24 at the end of the third quarter. However, they nearly choked away the lead as Texas came roaring back, and was in position to tie the game late in the fourth before missing the crucial extra point.

In this contest, the Bears were incredible on offense, scoring three touchdowns each on the ground and in the air. Their defense, though, was atrocious, allowing Texas quarterback Jerrod Heard to throw for 364 yards and 11.7 yards per pass attempt. The Huskies, meanwhile, beat the struggling Utah State Aggies with a strong defensive effort and efficient play from quarterback Jake Browning. Catch this exciting match-up on the Pac-12 Network, 1:00PM, pacific time on Saturday.

Keys To The Game:

How will a stout Huskies defense handle the explosiveness of the Cal Bears? Against Texas, California ran for 6.8 yards per carry while also throwing for 268 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. This game will be all about whether Washington can contain the Bears and give their team a chance. Against Utah State, Washington struggled running the ball, gaining just 2.1 yards per carry. A struggling defense would welcome a one-dimensional offense, and there is no reason to think that these Huskies can win a shootout against Jared Goff.

The Prediction:

By now you know that I have jumped off the Oregon State bandwagon and landed in the driver’s seat of the Jared Goff parade. This team seems destined to have a great year, and I think this is the week when people really start to take notice. The Huskies are a quality team, but they are not built to handle the offensive firepower of this Cal team. The Bears will use another balanced offensive game to outscore Washington, with the Cal defense enticing the inexperienced Browning into making critical mistakes.

Final score: Cal 38, Washington 17.

Next: UCLA at Arizona