Predictions: No. 6 Oregon Ducks vs California Golden Bears

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By 750 THE GAME STAFF

Each week our staff at 750 The Game and fellow Pac-12 experts predict the score of every Oregon Ducks game. This week the Oregon Ducks (7-1) host the California Golden Bears (3-5). The Vegas line has Oregon -24

John Canzano:

Cal played USC to the wire last week. I wonder about an emotional letdown for the Bears. And keep in mind, Cal lost by 20 at Utah two weeks ago. The only question for me is whether the Ducks will give up another late back-door cover. I’ll go with Oregon to win going away.

Oregon 48, Cal 21

Jon Wilner:

Cal isn’t a complete mess, and they’ve improved their offense a lot. QB Fernando Mendoza has been a stabilizing force at a position of chaos. RB Jadyn Ott is a really dynamic player, as is WR Jeremiah Hunter. But the Bears have lost 3 straight, allowing 45.3 points per game in that span to Oregon State, Utah, and USC. Cal has a chance to make a bowl game this year, though a slim one. This matchup with the Ducks is not a chance for them to “right the ship” in 2023.

Pick: Cal +24

Spencer McLaughlin:

Oregon 49, Cal 17

Steven Vaughan:

The Cal offense has been really good this year. They should have won last week against USC but blew a 14 point lead in the second half. This game screams of a back door cover just like in the Washington State game. If not a cover the whole game. I expect Oregon to win easily. But Cal’s offense is fast and they will be able to score on Oregon a little bit.

Oregon 42, Cal 24

Judah Newby:

Fernando Mendoza is just a pleasure to watch and listen to. I really like the young Cal QB. It is another natural letdown spot for the Ducks after crushing Utah. With USC the following week, I like Cal to keep it close at halftime before the Ducks pull away a-la Washington State two weeks ago.

Oregon 40, Cal 23