4 More Games The Cal Bears Have A Shot To Win
BERKELEY (CBS SF) - Before the season, Las Vegas bookies said the California Golden Bears would be lucky to win three games (they set the over-under line at 2.5 wins). That's what happens when you only beat Portland State the prior year. But after two fairly dominant victories to start the year, the team has to be feeling good about its chances to cover that bet.
From now on, the competition steps up significantly from FCS opponent Sac State. In fact, Cal may not again be favored this year, so where could they score an upset? Here are the best bets:
September 27th, hosting Colorado
The Buffaloes were bowled over by cross-state rival Colorado State to start the season and barely outscored the U Mass Minutemen last weekend in a 41-38 shootout. Things could go poorly for them in Pac-12 play, where they were just 1-8 last year, only beating Cal. Colorado also beat Colorado State comfortably last year, so there is evidence that there has been further slippage from a team that had the worst offense in the Conference last year. If it turns into a shootout, Cal can can take them.
October 4th, at Washington State
Cal just couldn't hang with Washington State last year at home, so they're going to have to hope that the the offensive onslaught they've unleashed in their first two games can continue against Pac-12 foes. Wazzu can score under the guidance of Mike Leach, but they have already lost to smaller programs Rutgers and Nevada this season, so they are no lock to stomp the Bears again. If the game was at home, it would be close to even money.
November 1st, At Oregon State
Like Wazzu, Oregon State can score, and they've quietly become the superior program in recent years. They put up 505 yards in their opener at Portland State, but they barely outlasted a beleaguered Hawaii team on Oahu last week. The team is always dangerous behind QB Sean Mannion, but Sophomore Jared Goff has been slinging it for the Bears early too. A few well-timed stops from the defense could help Cal pull an upset in Corvallis.
November 22nd, Stanford
Don't laugh. I know Stanford won this by 50 last year, and Cal will again be overmatched on talent, but anything can happen in rivalry games, just ask the dudes from the 1982 Stanford Band. Don't ever assume either team is going to win this one, especially since the Cardinal will likely be more preoccupied with games against Oregon and UCLA in November.
