Miami vs. California College Football Week 6 Picks: Don’t Expect Much Offense on Saturday
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Eduardo Solano
- September 30, 2024
College Football Pick: Under 55 (-108) at Heritage Sports (visit our Heritage Sports Review)
The California Golden Bears look to get back on track when they host the Miami Hurricanes on Saturday. Let’s analyze the current college football odds available at the top sportsbooks and go over all you need to know about this game.
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Miami Hurricanes vs. California Golden Bears
Saturday, October 05, 2024 – 10:30 PM ET at California Memorial Stadium
Miami Comes From Behind to Beat Virginia Tech
Miami overcame a late deficit with Cam Ward’s 1-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Horton, capping a 38-34 comeback victory over Virginia Tech in the ACC opener for both teams. Horton’s catch with 1:57 remaining proved to be the game-winner in a dramatic finish on Friday night.
The closing moments were filled with controversy as Hokies quarterback Kyron Drones appeared to connect with Da’Quan Felton for a 30-yard touchdown amid heavy traffic as time expired, a play initially ruled a score that would have secured a Virginia Tech win. However, after an extensive review, officials overturned the call, sealing Miami’s victory.
The Hurricanes faced double-digit deficits on three separate occasions, the last of which came when Virginia Tech stretched their lead to 34-24 with 12:05 left to play. Miami’s miscues were a factor, as the Hokies converted three turnovers into 14 points and looked primed to pull off the upset.
California Struggles Against Florida State
In another ACC matchup, California was unable to break through against Florida State on September 21, falling 14-9 in their first conference clash as new ACC members. Despite out-gaining the Seminoles 410-284, the Golden Bears struggled to capitalize in the red zone, scoring just twice in five trips.
Senior kicker Ryan Coe’s struggles were costly, as he missed two field goals (36 and 38 yards) in the second half, despite nailing a 51-yarder to give Cal a 9-7 lead late in the third quarter.
Golden Bears quarterback Fernando Mendoza threw for 303 yards, completing 22 of 36 passes, but was also intercepted once. He spread the ball around to nine different receivers in the loss. Star running back Jaydn Ott, back in action after sitting out the San Diego State game due to injury, added 73 yards on 16 carries but couldn’t find the end zone for California.
The Pick
“We had plenty of opportunities,” California coach Justin Wilcox said. “We did not capitalize on it. They did. We have to find ways to score points. Nine’s not enough. I don’t care who you’re playing.”
While Cal picked up 422 offensive yards, they missed two field goal attempts of under 40 yards. And pre-snap penalties often hurt their drives.
California is coming off a bye week, so that extra time to prepare and clean up their mistakes from their last game should help them play better, but I still don’t trust them to contribute much to the final score on Saturday, which makes the Under an intriguing option.
College Football Pick: Under 55 (-108) at Heritage Sports
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
