Oregon State could be in for a let down road spot against the California Bears. They’ve had extra rest due to their home victory last Friday against the Utah Utes. Pressure is also on them as they continue to ascend in the polls. California will do enough to hang around the spread here with the possibility for an upset.

This is a classic sandwich game for Oregon State. The Beavers are coming off an emotionally draining win over Utah, while UCLA looms on the schedule next week. In between, they play a night road game in one of FBS' quietest stadiums. Transfer QB D.J. Uiagalelei has lifted the Bears' offense out of mediocrity. Under normal circumstances, we'd go with Oregon State. These are not normal, which puts Cal in position for a cover.

Strange things have happened in Strawberry Canyon throughout the years and the suggestion to the high-ranked Beavers is to be on alert. And while iconic play-by-play man Joe Starkey has retired, the Golden Bears look capable of some more dramatics with playmakers like TCU transfer QB Sam Jackson V and his own Tito and Jermaine with big-play RB Jaydn Ott (another 165 YR last week vs. ASU) and WR Jeremiah Hunter, who has caught a TD pass in four of the first five games. Still not quite sure how much of an upgrade ex-Clemson DJU is for the OSU offense that remains run-first with the 1-2 punch of Damien Martinez & Deshaun Fenwick gaining a healthy 6.5 ypc.