California Golden Bears
American Football NCAAF Gerald J. Ford Stadium Sat 24 Oct 12:00
Southern Methodist Mustangs (SMU)
  1. Prediction
  2. SGP Picks
  3. Odds
  4. Player Props
  5. Stats
  6. Standings

Cal vs SMU Predictions

Best Bet

SMU -18.5 @ -110

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SMU to Run Riot?

We’re really sweet on SMU who are -18.5 on the spread. They should enjoy a big win against Cal and cover the line at -110.

We highlight the top Cal vs SMU picks with our Best Bet, Player Props, Same Game Parlay and Correct Score Prediction. Check out the sections below for the reasoning behind the card.

Cal vs SMU Preview

Cal square off against SMU at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 12:00 on Saturday, October 24.

California Golden Bears lost their previous game, being beaten at home to Wake Forest Demon Deacons 41-7 at California Memorial Stadium.

SMU Mustangs were winners last time out. Their 23-13 victory against Virginia Cavaliers at Gerald J. Ford Stadium was their fourth straight home triumph.

H2H: Cal Claimed 38-35 Win in Previous H2H

Cal triumphed 38-35 when they last played SMU. This head-to-head was played at California Memorial Stadium.

Quarterbacks

Best Bet

SMU should enjoy a big win and that’s why we’re taking the -18.5 about them on the spread. This college football recommendation should cover the line at -110.

Key stats supporting our main match prediction:

  • The -18.5 line has been covered by SMU in 10 of their last 20 games at home.

We use the latest team news and injury updates to help shape the best possible CFB predictions. You’ll also notice we take a stats-led approach by factoring in the key numbers that truly make a difference.

SMU -18.5 Probability

If you go by the top betting apps, there’s a 52.4% chance that our pick is settled as a winner. Based on our analysts in-depth research, we calculate the actual probability to be closer to 60%. The wager can be recommended for this precise reason.

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SMU -18.5 @ -110 Bet Now BetMGM logo
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Disclosure: This preview contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. T&Cs apply. We only recommend licensed and regulated operators. See our Editorial Policy. Pick odds and lines reflect the price available at the time of publication (Oct 22, 18:25). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Published 18:25, 22 October 2026

Player Prop Picks

Top Pick: Kevin Jennings Over 280.5 Passing Yards -114 BetMGM logo

Kevin Jennings (SMU) can be backed at -114 to rack up over 280.5 passing yards. There’s an opportunity to place a QB Passing Yards bet, with him capable of covering an appealing line.

Latest Kevin Jennings Player Prop Odds

Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Same Game Parlay Pick

Spread SMU -18.5
Totals Under 55.5
Passing Yards Kevin Jennings Over 280.5

Get in the game with a same game parlay. Our picks are SMU to cover the -18.5 spread, Under 55.5 on the total and Kevin Jennings (SMU) to have Over 280.5 passing yards.

Many betting sites now allow you to place a same game parlay on each individual football game. It means that you can create a personalised wager at bigger odds, with there generally being no limit as to the number of picks.

Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Correct Score Prediction

Cal Cal logo 14 - 35 SMU logo SMU

You don’t need a big stake to enjoy a massive return by getting this correct score right. We’re going for the Mustangs to achieve a 35-14 win and hopefully this goes close.

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Cal vs SMU Odds

The odds and lines below are updated regularly and may differ from the prices shown in our picks, which are captured at the time of publication.

SMU Win on the Cards According to the Books

SMU are strong -1250 favorites to win this college game according to the Moneyline betting odds. The sportsbooks give them a 93% chance of claiming victory. For those wanting to oppose the market leader, you can get +720 about California.

The spread currently stands at 18.5 and the total points line is 55.5. Football bettors regularly enjoy the opportunity to wager on the Totals. Those who wager Under 55.5 can get -115.

Make sure to explore all angles before placing your college football bets. The top sportsbooks offer a wide range of game lines and team props and it’s all about finding a wager which matches your prediction of the matchup.

Player Odds

Receiving Yards

Rushing Yards

Passing Yards

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (Cal)
Over 228.5
-114
Under 228.5
-114
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Gerald J. Ford Stadium
Gerald J. Ford Stadium

SMU Looking to Keep Rolling at Home

SMU are riding eight consecutive victories at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. They are 9-1 in their last 10 home games, averaging 35.40 points on offense and surrendering 17.80 on defense.

Cal have four wins and six losses in the last 10 games on the road, scoring 23.10 points per contest and conceding 28.80.

SMU defeated Cal 38-6 when the teams last met at Gerald J. Ford Stadium.

Last 10 Games W-L P PF PA O55.5 U55.5
SMU logo SMU Home Stats 9-1 53.20 35.40 17.80 3 7
Cal logo Cal Away Stats 4-6 51.90 23.10 28.80 3 7
  • W-L = Wins-Losses
  • P = Avg. Points
  • PF = Avg. Points For
  • PA = Avg. Points Against
  • O55.5 = Games Over 55.5 Points
  • U55.5 = Games Under 55.5 Points
Team Stats

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

Cal logo Cal Stats
SMU logo SMU Stats
Moneyline
  • 4 wins and 6 defeats in the last 10 games
  • 4 wins and 6 defeats in the last 10 games on the road
Moneyline
  • 8 wins and 2 defeats in the last 10 games
  • 9 wins and 1 defeat in the last 10 home games
Point Spread
Point Spread
Total Points
Total Points
NCAAF Standings Select Season
Atlantic Coast W L PF PA N. Pts Home Away Strk
Miami 6 0 291 84 207 3-0 3-0 6W
North Carolina 4 2 141 115 26 1-1 3-1 2W
Wake Forest 6 1 262 136 126 2-1 4-0 4W
SMU 5 1 196 128 68 4-0 1-1 3W
California 3 4 167 194 -27 2-3 1-1 1L
Louisville 4 3 271 192 79 3-1 1-2 2W
Pittsburgh 5 2 230 115 115 4-1 1-1 2L
Virginia Tech 5 2 260 148 112 3-1 2-1 1W
Virginia 4 3 210 138 72 4-1 0-2 1L
Duke 4 2 190 96 94 3-1 1-1 2L
Boston College 3 3 122 138 -16 3-1 0-2 1W
NC State 3 3 198 166 32 3-1 0-2 1L
Georgia Tech 2 4 160 163 -3 2-2 0-2 1L
Florida State 3 4 221 195 26 3-1 0-3 2L
Stanford 3 4 128 256 -128 3-1 0-3 1W
Clemson 4 2 134 129 5 3-1 1-1 1W
Syracuse 2 4 190 154 36 1-2 1-2 2L

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