College Football Revenge Game – Maryland Terrapins at California Golden Bears

The 12th-ranked California Golden Bears (9-4 SU, 6-3 Conf., 9-4 ATS, 8-5 O/U) will be looking to extract some revenge while getting their 2009 regular season off to a positive start when they host the Maryland Terrapins (8-5 SU, 4-4 Conf., 6- 6 ATS, 7-5 O/U) at Memorial Stadium on Saturday at 10 PM ET.

California comes into its season opener looking to pay back the Terps for last season’s 35-27 road loss while building on last season’s solid 9-4 SU mark and 24-17 victory over Miami in the Emerald Bowl. Maryland will be reloading this season after losing 30 seniors from last season’s 8-5 team.

With 17 returning starters and its highest preseason ranking since they were ranked No. 9 in 2006, the Golden Bears are looking to snap USC’s Pac-10 reign and reach its first Rose Bowl since 1958.

The Golden Bears have a Heisman Trophy hopeful in gifted running back Jahvid Best who ranked second in the nation last season in all-purpose yards per game (187.3) and third in rushing (131.7). Best rushed for 1,580 yards last season – the second-best total in school history – and averaged a school-record 8.1 yards per carry.

Maryland senior quarterback Chris Turner, a California native who went 15 of 19 for 156 yards and two touchdowns in last season’s win over the Bears, will look to lead Maryland to another shocker after starting the Terrapins’ finals 12 games last season and throwing for 2,516 yards with 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and NCAAF Free Pick.

Terrapins are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in September.

Terrapins are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games as a road underdog.

Terrapins are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games on turf.

Terrapins are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games.

Golden Bears are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games on turf.

Golden Bears are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 home games.

Golden Bears are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games as a home favorite.

Golden Bears are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite.

Golden Bears are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite of 10.5 or greater.

Golden Bears are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in September.

Golden Bears are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games overall.

Under is 8- 1 in Terrapins last 9 road games.

Under is 6- 1 in Terrapins last 7 games as a road underdog.

Over is 4- 1 in Golden Bears last 5 games on turf.

Over is 4- 1 in Golden Bears last 5 games as a favorite of 10.5 or greater.

Over is 8-3-1 in Golden Bears last 12 non-conference games.

Over is 16- 7 in Golden Bears last 23 games as a home favorite

NCAAF Betting Odds

Maryland +21 -110

California -21 -110

Over 51 -110

Under 51 -110

Analysis: Okay BetOnline NFL sports betting enthusiasts, while the outcome of this contest certainly isn’t in doubt as the California Golden Bears will win at home and extract some revenge for last season’s road loss to Maryland, the high point spread makes this pick a bit tougher depending on which team you like.

The good news for Terrapins backers is the fact that Maryland has gone an impressive 4-1 ATS in their last five September contests. However, that’s about it for Maryland backers as the Terrapins have gone just 2-5 ATS in their last seven games as a road underdog and a dismal 1-5 ATS in their last six road games overall.

California looks like the correct pick despite the high spread as they’ve gone 8-1 ATS in their last nine home games and an identical 8-1 ATS in their last nine games as a home favorite.

The Golden Bears have also gone an impressive 4-1 ATS in their last five games as a favorite, an identical 4-1 ATS in their last five games in September and a scorching 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games overall.

In addition to urging college football bettors to take the Bears to cover the spread here, I also like the Over as it has gone 8-3-1 in Golden Bears last 12 non-conference games and 16- 7 in Cal’s last 23 games as a home favorite.

Take California and their powerful defense, which returns eight starters this year, to win and cover the spread while the Over cashes in.

NCAAF Free Picks: California -21 Points/Over 51 Total Points