Cal vs UC Davis Prediction, Game Preview, and Betting Lines

This should be fun.

Cal might be about as California as it gets - it’s sort of in the name - but it’s in the ACC and should fit in right away. It’s a brutal slate for the Bears, and this is the game to get everything worked out before dealing with it all.

It gets a good test against a decent UC Davis team to get going before dealing with Auburn, San Diego State, and then the ACC opener at Florida State.

The Aggies have a top 20 FCS program with strong lines and the potential to pull this off if everything breaks right.

Cal vs UC Davis Preview

Cal vs UC Davis How to Watch
Date: Saturday, August 31, 2024
Game Time: 4:00 pm ET
Venue: California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, CA
How to Watch: ESPN+
2023 Records: Cal (6-7), UC Davis (7-4)
- Week 1 Schedule, Predictions

Why UC Davis Will Win

The offensive front that was so strong last year has to be just that good again.

It was amazing in pass protection and terrific for the ground attack. That all has to kick in to control the clock, keep it close, and make Cal press.

The Aggies aren’t going to beat themselves, but again, it’s about owning the trenches. The Bears don’t have a lot of star power on the defensive front, but …

Why Cal Will Win

Cal might have the most effective offense yet under head coach Justin Wilcox.

Fernando Mendoza is a baller of a quarterback, the transfer portal helped with the receiving corps, and Jaydn Ott might be the most talented running back in the ACC.

It’s all there - including the offensive front - and yes, the defense will be just fine. The parts are there to make this easy, but …

Cal vs UC Davis: Who Will Win

Can Cal chill on the turnover problem of last year?

The D forced a whole slew of mistakes, but the team lost all five games when it gave it away three times. Cal Poly forced teams to screw up last season, and it has to capitalize on every opportunity.

It’ll score off enough big moments to keep this close for at least three quarters.

Cal vs UC Davis Prediction, Betting Lines

Cal 38, UC Davis 17
Line: Cal -20.5, o/u: 53.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2
Cal vs UC Davis Must See Rating: 2

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