Washington Huskies vs. California Golden Bears: Betting Odds, Football Pick

After going through a dry spell earlier this century, the Washington Huskies are retaking control of their series with California, winning six of the last seven meetings outright and going 5-2 against the spread.

Washington looks to extend that run and retain its perch atop the Pac-12 North when it battles the Bears in Berkeley on Saturday night.

Point spread: The Huskies opened as 17-point favorites.

Odds Shark computer pick: Huskies 54.8, Golden Bears 25.4 (College football picks on every game)

Why the Washington Huskies can cover the spread

Washington remained undefeated on the season, and a contender for a spot in this year's College Football Playoff, with a 31-24 victory at Utah last week.

The Huskies grabbed an early 14-0 lead on the Utes but fell down 17-14 in the third quarter. Washington ultimately won the game on a 58-yard punt return for a score by Dante Pettis, his second of the season, with just over three minutes left on the clock.

On the day, Washington out-gained Utah 385-376, led by running back Myles Gaskin, who ran for 151 yards on 19 carries, his fourth straight 100-yard effort.

Stretching back to last season, the Huskies have won 11 games in a row, going 7-4 ATS in the process.

Why the California Golden Bears can cover the spread

Cal is riding that college football roller coaster at the moment, alternating between wins and losses all season. Last Thursday, the Bears lost at USC 45-24, so if recent form holds, they should win this week, right?

California fell down to the Trojans 21-0 early in the second quarter, pulled to within 28-17 midway through the third but could get no closer.

On the evening, the Bears came up with 475 yards of offense, as quarterback Davis Webb threw for 333 yards and a pair of touchdowns in trying to rally his troops from behind.

Two weeks ago, Cal outlasted Oregon in overtime 52-49. Just before that, the Bears lost in overtime to Oregon State 47-44. In fact, of Cal's four losses this season, two have come by one score, while another was a one-score game with less than a minute to go.

Smart pick

Washington is averaging 224 yards per game on the ground, 250 through the air, and that kind of balance is tough to deal with—especially for a Cal defense giving up over 500 yards per game. Also, the Bears nipped the Huskies last season up in Seattle, so Washington might have revenge on its mind.

The smart money here on the college football point spreads gives the points with the Huskies.

Betting trends

• Washington is 6-1 straight up and 5-2 ATS in its last seven games against California.
• California is 1-5 ATS in its last six games in November.
• The total has gone over in 10 of Washington's last 11 games.

All betting information courtesy of Odds Shark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates, Odds Shark on YouTube for picks and analysis, or download the free odds tracker app.