California Golden Bears at Colorado Buffaloes
Folsom Field, Boulder, Colorado
Saturday, September 10, 2011, 3:30 pm Eastern, TV: Fox College Sports
Opening Line: California -3 1/2
Current Line: California -6 1/2
Opening Total: 48 1/2
Current Total: 48 1/2
Opening Money Line: Cal -240 / Colorado +200
Current Money Line: Cal -250 / Colorado +210

Though California and Colorado are both members of the new Pac 12, this game was scheduled before Colorado joined the conference. It is considered a non-conference games and won’t count in the standings. The two teams are meeting for the sixth time Saturday. Cal leads the series 3-2, including a 52-7 thrashing of Colorado last year in Berkeley. California, under coach Jeff Tedford, beat Fresno St 36-21 in the season opener last week. Colorado, under first year head coach Jon Embree, lost at Hawaii 34-17.

California jumped out to a 19-7 lead in the first quarter against Fresno St last week and ended up winning 36-21. Two blocked extra points in the first quarter allowed Fresno to keep it close for a while. Cal had 413 total yards in the game including 266 passing yards. Quarterback Zach Maynard was 16 for 35 for 266 yards with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. He also had 5 carries for 53 yards. Running back Isi Sofele had 24 carries, 83 yards, and 2 touchdowns. Receiver Marvin Jones had 5 catches, 118 yards, and 2 touchdown catches. Keenan Allen had 8 catches for 112 yards. Kicker Giorgio Tavecchio made a 40 yard field goal but had 2 of his 5 PAT attempts blocked.

California was dominant on defense against Fresno giving up only 210 total yards, including 68 rushing yards. The Bears allowed only 11 first downs, and Fresno St was 2 for 14 on third downs. Cal forced 2 turnovers and 12 tackles for loss, including 6 sacks. California had a 19 yard fumble recovery for a touchdown. (Fresno also had a defensive score on a fumble recovery in the end zone.)

Hawaii was up 17-0 at halftime against Colorado last week. Colorado pulled to within 7 in the fourth quarter but Hawaii scored the last ten points of the game to win by 17. Colorado was held to 240 total yards including just 17 rushing yards. The Buffaloes were 2 for 14 on third and fourth downs. The line gave up 10 tackles for loss, including 7 sacks. Quarterback Tyler Hansen was 16 for 30 with 223 yards, 2 touchdowns, and an interception. He had 10 carries for -35 yards. Senior running back Rodney Stewart had 18 carries for 52 yards. Stewart also had 4 catches for 98 yards. Paul Richardson had 3 catches for 49 yards and two touchdowns. Kicker Will Oliver was 1/1 on field goals with a 34 yard kick and 2/2 on extra points.

Colorado’s defense actually played pretty well in the loss, keeping the high powered passing game of Hawaii pretty much in check. They held Hawaii’s offense to 343 yards, including 178 passing yards. The Buffaloes had 6 tackles for loss and 5 sacks.

California is 8-2 against the spread in their last 10 September games. The Bears have failed to cover in their last 4 as a road favorite and in their last 4 against teams with losing records. Colorado is 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 home games, and 5-1-1 as a home dog. Colorado is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 against teams with winning records.

Neither of these teams will compete for the Pac 12 title. Colorado struggled on offense against Hawaii last week, and the Warriors aren’t exactly dominant on defense. The line has to play much better or it could be another long day for the Buffaloes. The line has moved 3 points as everyone is playing Cal, but the altitude of Boulder could be the equalizer.

Check out our college football odds page for the best line on every game. Our college football handicappers are red hot this season and are already crushing the bookmakers.