Texas Longhorns vs. California Golden Bears Betting Odds, College Football Pick

Texas hasn't exactly been a great bet over recent seasons, but it is 4-1 against the spread in its last five times out as road chalk. Conversely, California has struggled as a home dog, going just 3-11 ATS in its last 14 times in that spot. A hot Longhorns team heads west to take on the Golden Bears on Saturday night in Berkeley, California.

Point spread: The Longhorns opened as six-point favorites, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark. (Line updates and matchup report)

College football pick, via Odds Shark computer: 39.0-31.7 Longhorns (College football picks on every game)

Why the Texas Longhorns can cover the spread

On the heels of two straight losing seasons, the Longhorns are off to a 2-0 start both straight up and ATS this season after topping UTEP last week 41-7. Down several starters due to injuries, Texas started a bit slowly against the Miners, leading just 10-7 midway through the second quarter. But the Longhorns tacked on 10 points before halftime and won the second half 21-0 to secure the victory and the cash as 31-point favorites.

On the night, Texas outgained UTEP 416-208. Freshman quarterback Shane Buechele hit on 22 of 27 throws for 244 yards and four touchdowns without an interception, while the Longhorns defense held the Miners to just 3-of-15 on third-down conversions.

Two weeks ago, Texas opened this season with its rousing 50-47 double-overtime win against Notre Dame. Also, the Longhorns lost to Cal last year 45-44, missing on a late two-point conversion, but Texas outgained the Bears that day by over 100 yards and covered as a five-point home dog.

Why the California Golden Bears can cover the spread

Cal is 1-1 both SU and ATS following a 45-40 loss at San Diego State last week, but the Bears covered as six-point dogs. California traded touchdowns with the Aztecs to a 21-21 tie, fell down 38-21 midway through the third quarter, rallied to within five points with just under a minute to go and recovered an onside kick. But hopes of a come-from-behind victory disappeared on an interception with the Bears at the San Diego State 22-yard line.

Cal actually outgained the Aztecs 604-463, but it gave up touchdowns on a kickoff return and an interception return.

Bears quarterback Davis Webb, stepping in to replace the departed Jared Goff, connected on 41 of 72 throws last week for 522 yards and five touchdowns (three interceptions). On the season, he's already accounted for 10 touchdowns.

Cal opened this season with a 51-31 win over Hawaii in Australia, piling up 630 yards of offense. And as mentioned above, the Bears beat the Longhorns last year in Austin, racking up 548 yards.

Smart pick

The Bears beat Texas on its home field last year, but turnabout is only fair play. Cal can score, but can it stop the Longhorns' running game? Take Texas, on the revenge play.

Betting trends

The total has gone over in six of California's last eight games in September.

California is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 games at home after a win at home.

Texas is 5-1 ATS in its last six games against the Pac-12.

All college football betting lines and point-spreads data courtesy of Bleacher Report’s official odds partner, Odds Shark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line-movement updates and Odds Shark YouTube for picks and analysis, or download the free odds-tracker app.