On opposite ends of the standings, our UCLA vs. Cal prediction showcases the strength for the Bruins and the overall lack of consistent play from the Golden Bears in 2022. Will that be enough to cover the spread or even reach the total points, though?
UCLA vs. Cal Betting Preview
- Spread
UCLA (-10) - Moneyline
UCLA (-380); Cal (+310) - Over/Under
60.5 points - Game time
4:30 p.m. ET - Location
California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, CA - Predicted weather at kickoff
60 degrees, cloudy, 4-5 mph winds - How to watch
fuboTV, FOX
Top DFS Picks and Fantasy Plays
- QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, UCLA ($11,800)
- QB Jack Plummer, Cal ($8,400)
- RB Zach Charbonnet, UCLA ($10,200)
- RB Jaydn Ott, Cal ($8,900)
- RB Keegan Jones, UCLA ($5,300)
- RB DeCarlos Brooks, Cal ($4,900)
- WR Jeremiah Hunter, Cal ($7,700)
- WR J.Michael Sturdivant, Cal ($7,600)
- WR Jake Bobo, UCLA ($7,600)
- WR Kazmeir Allen, UCLA ($7,200)
- WR Michael Ezeike, UCLA ($6,500)
- WR Kam Brown, UCLA ($6,000)
- WR Logan Loya, UCLA ($5,600)
- WR Mavin Anderson, Cal ($5,500)
- TE Hudson Habermehl, UCLA ($5,200)
- TE Keleki Latu, Cal ($4,800)
In what will likely be Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s last game as a Bruin, the quarterback warrants a look as your Superflex for the 1.5x points modifier. If you don’t look to secure him there, grab him as your QB against the Cal defense that is allowing over 420 yards per game.
Where Cal really struggles, and why DTR is a big-time value play, is against the run. They’ve given up 15 rushing scores and are allowing four yards per attempt. Given that favorable matchup, both Thompson-Robinson and RB Zach Charbonnet are in line for big days.
Jake Bobo is also a viable play from UCLA, as the Bears have given up 21 touchdowns through the air this year. Bobo is a red-zone threat with plenty of open-field elusiveness after the catch, given his massive height.
Cal’s receivers may also be in play here since UCLA’s defense was beaten up by USC a week ago. However, Cal doesn’t have the offensive line that the Trojans do. UCLA pass rushers should be able to get to the quarterback and force errant throws while also keeping the Bears’ rushing attack under 100 yards.
Avoid Cal players in what could be another statement win for UCLA’s defense.
Prediction for UCLA vs. Cal
For five long years, Dorian Thompson-Robinson has wowed at UCLA. It feels like forever since he started his first game back in 2018. With the 2023 NFL Draft firmly on the horizon, it’s likely he sits out whatever bowl game the Bruins receive.
If DTR sits the bowl game, this is his last game at the helm of the UCLA program. Given what he’s meant to this team, coaching staff, and fan base, you better believe this game means a lot for the Bruins.
DTR is the heart and soul of this program, and he has etched his place in college football history in the process of five amazing seasons. Oh, and he’s rushed for nine touchdowns this year and thrown for 24 more.
At one point, DTR was absolutely in the Heisman conversation amid a career year for UCLA. Despite those dreams coming to a close and their Pac-12 chances being crushed by USC and Oregon, DTR can still etch his name in the record books one more time.
The Cal defense has struggled mightily to contain just about any kind of offense, and both DTR and Charbonnet should be able to run all over a middling Cal defense.
On the other side of the ball, Cal is averaging under 100 yards per game on the ground against the Pac-12’s top rushing attack from UCLA. It’ll be a stark difference in philosophies as well as ability to dictate the pace of the game.
The advantage shifts heavily to the UCLA side as they’ve allowed the third-best yards per pass attempt on defense, and though they’ve thrown it among the most in the conference, Cal is only averaging 6.79 yards per pass attempt themselves.
The game will be shortened by UCLA’s offensive plan and defensive prowess, and DTR will exit the regular season as a big winner.
Prediction: UCLA 38, Cal 20