As we wrap up the season and ponder our California Bears vs. SMU Mustangs prediction, SMU has already punched its ticket to the conference title game, regardless of the outcome of Saturday’s games. Still, the Mustangs have their sights set on bigger goals, and a win here could put them in the College Football Playoff regardless of the outcome of the title game. I don’t expect SMU to slow down unless they have a big lead and can rest the starters. However, Cal’s defense should be too good to completely fly off the field. Still, with Cal already eligible to bowl and SMU putting everything on the line, I expect the Mustangs to get ahead early and work from there. With an opening line of just under 14 points, it looks like Vegas is begging us to take SMU and maybe trying to trap us, but I’ll spring the trap. Give me SMU -13.5.

Let’s start with the Bears, who have won three of their last four games. This is actually a spread offense with a solid rushing attack, but here at the end of the season the Bears have one of the worst rushing attacks in the country. SMU can also be a bully on defense, so Cal will likely be one-dimensional. I expect SMU to keep Cal off the scoresheet for the most part. This spread is a matter of the other side of the ball. SMU plays a fast offense, but Cal’s defense is tough – it ranks in the top 40 in the country in total defense. Still, I think this is a spot the Mustangs can’t afford to mess around with – and if they care much about the end zone at all, they should back off. SMU will pin Cal defensively, and I think the Stangs get just enough offense to cover that number.

California vs SMU Prediction: SMU -13.5 (-110) available at time of publication. Playable under this number.

Bet like a Caesar with this fantastic new customer offer from Caesars where you can INSTANTLY get $250 worth of bonus bets when you make a first bet of just $5! Become a Caesars member 👥 with Caesars promo code PICKSWISE1000 to bet on our California vs SMU picks.