Cal vs Washington Odds, Picks: How to Bet Pac-12 After Dark Showdown

It's time for Pac-12 after dark!

After playing each other for over 100 years, this is likely the final time Washington and Cal will meet.

And this final act should be a great one, as the Washington Huskies are poised to make a run at the College Football Playoff behind Heisman candidate Michael Penix Jr.

While the Huskies have all the hype, the Golden Bears can't be overlooked. They've looked good early on this season, as they thumped North Texas and lost a close game to Auburn.

So, which side should you bet in Cal vs. Washington? Let's find out.

The Golden Bears have deployed a relatively balanced attack through the first three games of the season.

However, it's evident they've had far more success on the ground.

Jaydn Ott, Isaiah Ifanse and Ashton Stredick have formed a three-headed monster in the backfield and have combined to average 5.7 yards per carry. These three will play a big role as Cal's rushing attack can both lead to success and keep the Huskies' high-powered offense off the field.

We should see the Golden Bears get a good push up front, as the Huskies are 118th in Defensive Line Yards.

Washington's inability to penetrate the backfield has led it to rank 86th in Rushing Success Rate and 89th in tackling.

The Huskies' offense begins and ends with Penix Jr., as the former Indiana Hoosier has had a career renaissance at Washington.

Penix has become one of the country's most prolific passers. He's averaging 444 yards passing per game this season and has done so while completing 74% of his passes with a 12-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

Cal's secondary will be the best Penix has faced this season, as the Golden Bears are 39th in opponent yards per pass and 49th in opponent completion percentage.

The men up front have also done a great job of generating pressure as Cal ranks 14th in sack rate.

While it's hard to not back Washington's prolific offense, Cal has all the elements to hang around in this matchup.

The Golden Bears will be able to control the tempo and the clock with their rushing attack.

The run game will also keep Penix and company off the field. When Washington does have the ball, Cal's secondary isn't shabby and its defensive line could put Penix under pressure for the first time this season.

Take the Bears to cover the spread.