[tps_title]ASU at CAL[/tps_title]
[tps_header]8 p.m., Fox Sporgs 1[/tps_header]
ASU (6-5, 4-4) AT
CAL (6-5, 3-5)
8 p.m., FOX SPORTS 1
Pointspread: Cal favored by 3.5 points
— The line has remained about the same all week. Cal has shifted from 3-point favorites to 3.5.
— Arizona State had lost four straight and eight of nine to California before winning at Memorial Stadium three years ago. While both teams are already bowl eligible, each is trying to build some momentum for the postseason push.
— California is sputtering after opening the season 5-0 and hasn’t defeated a team with a winning record since tripping up Washington State on Oct. 3. The Bears also haven’t won seven games or more since 2011. Arizona State has won two straight following a three-game skid and is coming off an emotional draining win last week over rival Arizona. ASU coach Todd Graham was concerned how his team would respond after beating the Wildcats and emphasized that with both his players and assistants.
— While he has yet to announce his plans for 2016, Cal QB Jared Goff could be playing in his final home game for California. The Bears’ quarterback has been touted as a likely first-round draft pick should he forgo his senior season, which would then make Saturday’s game at Memorial Stadium Goff’s last.
— Goff should have a field day against Arizona State’s pass defense, provided he can avoid from Sun Devils linebacker Antonio Longino, who has 11 sacks this season and 32 for his career, four coming last week against Arizona.
— California will be down to its third-string safety for the game, though the Bears aren’t quite certain who it will be. With Damariay Drew sidelined with a knee injury and backup Griffin Piatt out with a broken collarbone, the Bears will rely on either Khari Vanderbilt, Derron Brown or Luke Rubenzer.
Arizona State is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games
Arizona State is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona State’s last 6 games
Arizona State is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
California is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
California is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of California’s last 8 games
California is 6-16 ATS in its last 22 games at home
My pick: ASU will win and cover
Steve Rivera’s pick: Cal will win and cover
Anthony Gimino’s pick: Cal will win and cover
[tps_footer]
ALLSPORTSTUCSON.com publisher, writer and editor Javier Morales is a former Arizona Press Club award winner. He has also written articles for Bleacher Report and Lindy’s College Sports.[/tps_footer]
