San Diego State Aztecs at California Golden Bears Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 9/14/2024 10:30 PM EST

We have your San Diego State Aztecs at California Golden Bears prop betting and game preview needs covered as the San Diego State Aztecs hit the road to face the California Golden Bears.

San Diego State Aztecs at California Golden Bears Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: San Diego State Aztecs +750 (DraftKings) / California Golden Bears -1100 (Caesars)
Best Spread Odds: -19.0 - San Diego State Aztecs -110 (bet365) / -18.5 - California Golden Bears -108 (BetRivers)
Best Total Odds: 50.5 - Under -110 (Caesars) / Over -105 (ESPN BET)

Game Info

Date: 9/14/2024
Time: 10:30 PM EST
Location: California Memorial Stadium (Berkeley, CA)
TV: ESPN

San Diego State Aztecs at California Golden Bears Preview

The San Diego State Aztecs are set to face the California Golden Bears in a highly anticipated matchup at California Memorial Stadium. The Aztecs are coming off a challenging 21-0 loss to Oregon State, where their freshman quarterback Danny O'Neil sustained a minor injury. Although there is no confirmation that O'Neil will miss the game against Cal, his condition could be a pivotal factor in the Aztecs' performance. San Diego State will need to regroup quickly to challenge a California team that has shown resilience despite injury setbacks.

California enters this game as a significant favorite, with the point spread increasing from 17.5 to 19.5 points in their favor. This shift reflects the confidence in the Golden Bears' ability to capitalize on their home advantage and the potential vulnerabilities in the Aztecs' lineup. The Golden Bears are coming off a narrow 21-14 victory over Auburn, a game in which several key players were absent due to injuries. The status of wide receivers Tobias Merriweather and Kyion Grayes, along with other starters, remains uncertain, which could impact Cal's offensive dynamics.

Running back Jaydn Ott, who played against Auburn despite an ankle injury, will be a crucial component of Cal's strategy. His ability to perform at a high level could be instrumental in breaking through the Aztecs' defense. As the game approaches, all eyes will be on how both teams manage their respective injury concerns and adapt their strategies accordingly. With the Golden Bears heavily favored, the Aztecs will need a robust defensive effort and a strong showing from their offense to pull off an upset in Berkeley.

San Diego State Aztecs at California Golden Bears Pick: San Diego State Aztecs Against the Spread

In the upcoming clash between the San Diego State Aztecs and the California Golden Bears, the spread presents an intriguing opportunity for bettors. Despite the Aztecs' recent 21-0 loss to Oregon State, there are compelling reasons to consider them against the spread. The current line has shifted to favor California by 19.5 points, reflecting the Golden Bears' perceived strength and home-field advantage. However, this spread may be too generous given the circumstances surrounding both teams.

San Diego State's freshman quarterback, Danny O'Neil, is a key factor in this matchup. Although he sustained a minor injury in the game against Oregon State, there is no confirmation that he will miss the upcoming game. His presence on the field could provide the Aztecs with the offensive spark needed to keep the game competitive. Moreover, the Aztecs' defense will be motivated to rebound from their previous performance and could pose challenges for a California team dealing with its own injury concerns.

California's recent victory over Auburn was hard-fought, but it exposed vulnerabilities, particularly with several key players sidelined. The uncertainty surrounding the availability of wide receivers Tobias Merriweather and Kyion Grayes, along with other starters, could impact the Golden Bears' ability to cover such a large spread. Additionally, running back Jaydn Ott's ankle injury, despite his participation against Auburn, raises questions about his effectiveness in the upcoming game.

Given these factors, the Aztecs have a reasonable chance to cover the spread. While California remains the favorite, the combination of San Diego State's potential for improvement and the Golden Bears' injury-related uncertainties makes the Aztecs a viable pick against the spread. Bettors should consider the possibility of a closer contest than the current line suggests, making San Diego State a strategic choice in this matchup.

San Diego State Aztecs at California Golden Bears Top Player Prop Picks

Danny O'Neil Over 1.5 Passing Touchdowns +150 (DraftKings)

Despite the San Diego State Aztecs' recent struggles, freshman quarterback Danny O'Neil has shown potential to be a game-changer. Although he sustained a minor injury in the previous game against Oregon State, there is no confirmation that he will miss the upcoming matchup against California. His presence on the field could provide the Aztecs with the offensive spark needed to keep the game competitive. Given California's injury concerns, particularly in their secondary, O'Neil has a reasonable chance to exploit these vulnerabilities and exceed the 1.5 passing touchdowns mark. The odds of +150 present a valuable opportunity for bettors looking to capitalize on O'Neil's potential impact.

Jaydn Ott Under 75.5 Rushing Yards -110 (Caesars)

California's running back Jaydn Ott played against Auburn despite an ankle injury, which seemed to limit his effectiveness. With the injury still a concern, Ott's ability to perform at a high level against San Diego State's defense is questionable. The Aztecs will likely focus on containing Ott, especially given the uncertainty surrounding California's wide receivers, which could lead to a more conservative offensive approach. The under on 75.5 rushing yards is a strategic pick, considering Ott's current physical condition and the potential for a limited workload.

Tobias Merriweather Over 4.5 Receptions +120 (BetRivers)

Wide receiver Tobias Merriweather's status remains uncertain due to injury, but if he plays, he could be a key target for California's offense. With the Golden Bears dealing with multiple injuries, Merriweather's role could expand significantly, especially if other receivers remain sidelined. His ability to make plays and the necessity for California to diversify their offensive options make the over on 4.5 receptions an attractive proposition. The odds of +120 reflect the potential value in betting on Merriweather to step up and deliver a strong performance in this crucial matchup.