California vs. Stanford: Latest Spread Info, BCS Impact and Predictions

It’s the “Big Game” this week between two hated rivals, as the California Bears (6-4, 3-4) travels to Palo Alto to take on No. 9 Stanford Cardinal (9-1, 7-1). 

There's been a long history between these two teams, and this year’s matchup will not fail to live up to expectations. The 2011 installment of the “Big Game” will have Stanford looking to come back after last week’s disappointing loss to Oregon. 

Where: Stanford Stadium, Palo Alto, California

When: Saturday Nov. 19: 10:15 PM ET

Watch: ESPN and ESPN-3.com

Spread: According to Bodog, the spread on this game has Stanford favored by 17.5 points. This is a good line to take, as the Cardinal are coming in after that loss to Oregon that crushed their BCS Championship dreams. 

Over/Under: According to Bodog, the over/under for this game is 55.5 points. You should take the over in this game, as Stanford and California both are averaging over 25 points per game this year. This game will see two things. One, a Stanford blowout and two, a lot of points between the two teams. 

Key Injuries California: 

WR Coleman Edmon is questionable with a calf injury that caused the receiver to miss last week’s game against Oregon State. 

LB Chris McCain is questionable with a head injury that caused the linebacker to miss last week’s game against Oregon State. 

RB Trajuan Briggs is questionable due to an undisclosed injury. If he sits out on Saturday, it will be the fourth game he's missed due to this injury.

Key Injuries Stanford:

S Delano Howell is probable with a foot injury. However, Howell is expected to play this week.  

WR Chris Owusu is doubtful with a concussion that made him miss last week’s game against Oregon.  

K Jordan Williamson is questionable with a leg injury. If he is unable to go this week it will be the second game that he's missed due to the injury. 

BCS/Top 25 Poll Implications: For Cal, there is little to no implications with a win or a loss in this game. However, for Stanford, their BCS chances are still alive and well. They have to win this game and win big, if they want to have a shot at sneaking into a BCS bowl game this year. 

Keys to a California Win: 

Have their defense continue to play at an high level, like they have been over the last two weeks. In three of their last four games, Cal has given up 10 or fewer points. The defense has to play at an elite level if they have a chance at pulling off an upset.  

Give the ball to running back Isi Sofele and let him control the offense. In Sofele’s last two games he has rushed 46 times for 328 yards and two touchdowns. Just like the defense, he has to have a huge game for a Cal win.  

Get the band on the field. 

Keys to a Stanford Win: 

They have to get quarterback Andrew Luck playing at a high level again. Point blank, Andrew Luck has to have a rebound game this week against Cal. Even with Cal’s great defensive play over the last two weeks, Luck needs a big game to silence the critics of his last performance against Oregon.  

One of the receivers has to step up this week. In last week’s game against Oregon, Luck was without one of his best targets in Owusu. This week it looks as if he will be without Owusu again.  

And finally, the defense needs to stop the run. Cal has established a very dangerous running attack in the last two weeks. Stanford has to put a stop early to set the tone of the game. 

Prediction: In the “Big Game” Cal will prove to be a tough test for the Cardinal. However, Stanford still has the best player in college football in Luck. He will dominate the game for Stanford, throwing for five touchdowns and leading the Cardinal to a big rivalry-game victory.  

Stanford 38 - California 20

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