Football Betting: California Golden Bears vs Oregon Ducks

California Golden Bears (3-0 SU, 2-0 ATS) at Oregon Ducks (2-1 SU, 1-2 ATS)

Saturday, September 26: 3:30 p.m.

BetOnline.com Football Betting Odds: California -6, Total Points: 58

Quick, name the top offenses in college football. Yep, Houston is there. So are Texas Tech and Texas. How about the California Golden Bears? Didn’t know about them, did you?

But as surprising as it is, there’s Cal at the top of most offensive categories in college football. Their 485 yards of total offense per game are 11 th in the country, and their 45 points per game is currently second. Of course it doesn’t hurt that they might have the premiere player in the entire sport, in running back Jahvid Best.

If you don’t know Best, you’ll get to know him this Saturday. The junior very well may be the best there is in the country, as his nine touchdowns leads all of the FBS, and his 137 yards rushing per game is third in the country.

However, when discussing Cal, you’ve also got to mention quarterback Kevin Riley, who in his first season as a full-time starter, is finally coming into his own. The junior has completed over 65 percent of his passes on the young season, and has already thrown five touchdowns to zero interceptions. But, Riley will have to play Saturday’s game without his favorite receiver, Nyan Boateng, who broke his foot in last weekend’s 35-21 victory over Minnesota.

As for Oregon, after starting the season with an embarrassing loss to Boise State, they’ve bounced back nicely with wins against Purdue and Utah. Last Saturday’s victory over the Utes may have been their best effort of the season, as Oregon got back to their vaunted ground game, rushing for 217 yards, while their defense held Utah’s always tough spread attack in check. On the game, Oregon’s defense was outstanding on third down’s, limiting Utah to just 5-18 on conversions.

Maybe most impressive for the Ducks was the emergence of running back LaMichael James, as the freshman stepped in admirably for the suspended LaGarrette Blount. James topped the 100 yard mark for the first time in his career Saturday against Utah, rushing for 152 yards in victory.

If Oregon is to stay close in this one however, quarterback Jeremiah Masoli needs to get going. A preseason favorite for the conference player of year, Masoli has struggled on the season, completing less than 50 percent of his passes. Last Saturday against Utah was his worst performance, as he completed just four passes the entire game.

Now the question becomes, even if the Ducks get Masoli going, will it be enough to limit Cal’s high-powered offense. While a few weeks back, many thought the Golden Bears were simply a one trick pony with Best, Riley has emerged as one of college football’s most surprising quarterbacks.

If he can keep it up this weekend, Cal should be able to go into Autzen Stadium and get the victory. They will also cover the 6 point spread.

Aaron’s Pick: Cal -6