Washington State Cougars (4-5) vs. California Golden Bears (3-6)
Washington State Cougars vs. California Golden Bears 11/11/23 – In an exciting Week 11 matchup in college football, the Washington State Cougars with a 4-5 record are set to take on the California Golden Bears, who currently stand at 3-6. This game, slated for November 11, 2023, holds substantial implications for both teams as they seek to bolster their records late in the season. Fans and bettors alike are circling this date on their calendars, eager for comprehensive, free NCAAF analysis to inform their viewing and wagering decisions.
The Cougars come into this game struggling to find their footing, having gone 1-4 against the spread (ATS) in their last five games and failing to secure a win in their previous five outings. With a direct comparison revealing a 5-12 record against the Golden Bears in their last 17 meetings, Washington State will be looking to break the pattern of past performances. A critical part of their arsenal is wide receiver Kyle Williams, who has snagged 48 receptions for 654 receiving yards this season, and running back Nakia Watson, whose ground game has added four touchdowns to the Cougars’ tally.
Conversely, the Golden Bears have their own challenges, boasting a similar record of 1-6 ATS in their last seven games. However, they find some solace in their historical home advantage against Washington State and a positive trend with the total going OVER in 5 of their last 6 games. Key to their strategy will be running back Jaydn Ott, who has rushed for an impressive 847 yards and nine touchdowns, along with wide receiver Jeremiah Hunter, contributing 493 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
Washington State Cougars vs. California Golden Bears 11/11/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 4:00 PM ET |
| Where: | California Memorial Stadium |
| TV: | ESP2 |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Cameron Ward QB vs. Fernando Mendoza QB
Cameron Ward of the Washington State Cougars has thrown for an impressive 2,773 yards with a 68.8 completion percentage, demonstrating a blend of accuracy and productivity. His quarterback rating of 149.3 reflects his ability to make smart plays, although the 25 sacks indicate potential vulnerability under pressure. Ward’s command in the pocket and ability to deliver deep throws will be critical as he faces a California defense that has shown variability in performance.
On the opposing side, Fernando Mendoza of the California Golden Bears has notched 825 passing yards with a completion percentage of 60.2. His passer rating stands at 126.1, which, while respectable, indicates room for improvement, particularly in the face of a challenging Washington State defensive line. Mendoza’s conservative passing game, with fewer yards per attempt, will need to be strategic and error-free to capitalize on his offensive line’s protection and to exploit the Cougars’ secondary.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: California Golden Bears -120, Total Odds: 59.5
The odds reflect a tight contest, with the Golden Bears slightly favored at home. The narrow point spread of -1.5 suggests a closely contested battle, and with the total set at 59.5, oddsmakers are anticipating a high-scoring affair. Bettors will weigh these factors as they seek value in a matchup that promises excitement and offensive fireworks.
Washington State Cougars Betting Trends
The Cougars’ recent ATS record is a concern for backers, with just one cover in their last five games. This trend may make bettors hesitant, but those looking deeper will note the potential for a bounce-back, considering the offensive talents like Ward and Williams. The over has hit in four of their last six road games, indicating a tendency for high-scoring affairs away from home.
California Golden Bears Betting Trends
California’s betting trends indicate some difficulties in covering the spread, with a 1-6 ATS record in recent outings. Nonetheless, bettors might find solace in their over-tendency in recent games, combined with a strong ATS record at home. The Bears’ defensive stats, especially when playing against the Cougars at home, suggest the under could be a valuable play for those looking at historical trends.
Washington State Cougars vs. California Golden Bears 11/11/23 Betting Picks
As the final preparations for the clash are underway, the analytical data points to a potentially tight contest. The betting trends, key player performances, and historical matchups set the stage for a game that could tilt in either direction. The Golden Bears have a slight edge according to the odds, but the Cougars’ offense has proven capabilities that can’t be ignored.
Given the performances and the pressure of the situation, the expert consensus picks leans toward a competitive game that could exceed point expectations. Prop bets on key offensive players like Ward and Ott may offer value, given their consistent contributions to their teams’ scoring. The over/under is tantalizing, but with both defenses showing cracks, the over seems to hold potential, especially considering the Cougars’ trend on the road and the Bears’ recent scoring surges.
Free Pick and Prediction: Washington State Cougars 31, California Golden Bears 28