Pac-12 Predictions: Week 5 Picks Against the Spread

Sep 19, 2015; Austin, TX, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff (16) reacts in the final seconds against the Texas Longhorns during the fourth quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Cal beat Texas 45-44. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

Washington State Cougars at California Golden Bears

The Line: Cal -12.5

Finally, the Bears are getting their due. The Bears have been the one team that has no disappointed me so far in 2015. They came off a good, solid win over a quality team in the Washington Huskies, in a game they led 20-7 at halftime. Washington came back and made a game of it, but Cal was clearly the better team. Meanwhile, Washington State had last week off and has prepared for the Bears for two weeks. Whether that will help the Cougars will only be known Saturday at noon on the Pac-12 network.

Keys To The Game:

Cal’s offense has been great both last year and this year, as they are second in the conference in total offense. Their defense, however, a disaster last year has morphed into a mediocre, respectable unit. They currently seventh in the conference in total defense, pass defense, and rushing defense. Not great, but good enough. Washington State, however, is third in pass defense, but 11th in rushing defense. The Bears can run the ball, and will do so at will against the Cougars.

Prediction:

Washington State has been unable to stop anyone on the ground, and Cal will use that to its advantage. With Jared Goff at quarterback, the Cougars have to honor the big play and keep their safeties back. This will let the Bears run all over the place in a dominating performance. On defense, Cal will start strong and then fade late, allowing a backdoor cover by Washington State.

Final score: Cal 42, Washington State 31.

Next: Arizona State at UCLA