Huge Game in the Pac 10 - #25 California vs. #17 Stanford

California Golden Bears vs. Stanford Cardinal 7:30 ET

Two teams that still have aspirations of reaching the Rose Bowl have a football betting battle "On the Farm" when the California Golden Bears (7-3, 5-5 ATS) clash with their arch rivals, the Stanford Cardinal. Both teams still need some help to reach the Rose Bowl to meet up with the Ohio State Buckeyes, but the game is still within reach for both.

Both are coming off of impressive victories against ranked opponents. The Golden Bears bounced Arizona 24-16, while the Cardinal scored one of the more astounding results of the season when it beat mighty USC 55-21 at the LA Coliseum.

BetUS Sportsbook customers will have a college football point spread of Stanford (-7) and a 'total' of 65.5 to dig into on Saturday.

California comes into this game with a bunch of mixed results under its belt. Big victories at UCLA and home against Arizona are both very impressive, both three losses to Oregon, USC, and Oregon State by a combined score of 103-20 leaves a lot to be desired. HC Jeff Tedford's offense has had a very respectable season. The unit ranks 47th in the land in total offense at 401.8 yards per game, and 32nd in points per game at 30.7, but things aren't going to be the same for as long as RB Jahvid Best is out of the lineup.

The defense has had a tough time stopping opposing passing attacks, as it is allowing 268.3 yards per game through the air, which only ranks 114th, but the Golden Bears did hold 'Zona to 206 passing yards last week. The rushing attack ranks 19th in the land at 103.5 yards per game.

What more is there to say about how well the Cardinal played last week? Stanford arguably put together the most impressive victory in school history. The offense just could not be stopped. RB Toby Gerhart rushed for 178 yards and three touchdowns a week after rolling up 223 yards and three TDs on Oregon. QB Andrew Luck went 12/22 for 144 yards with two touchdowns. The freshman also added 61 rushing yards and a TD on the ground.

Over the L/2 weeks, the Cardinal has racked up 106 points combined against USC and Oregon. In comparison, Cal put up six against those same two foes. It was the third straight win both SU and ATS for Stanford, which has rebounded nicely from defeats at Oregon State and Arizona. The Cardinal is a perfect 5-0 SU and ATS at home this season with home dates against the Golden Bears and Fighting Irish to go.

Stanford can move the football against the best in the country, and it proved it last week. However, even though Cal's defense struggles mightily against the pass, it does well against the run, so Gerhart may have a tough time trying to make tracks like he did against USC. This is a big point spread in a rivalry game, and even though the Cardinal will probably win the game, it's hard to picture it winning this game by more than a touchdown.

Rose's Recommendation: 3* California Golden Bears

Rating Scale 1* - 5*