The Duke Blue Devils take on the Cal Golden Bears in Berkeley, CA. Kickoff is set for 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Duke is favored by -3 points on the spread with a moneyline of -150. The total is set at 55.5 points.
Here’s my Duke vs. Cal prediction and college football picks for Saturday, October 4, 2025.
Duke vs California Prediction
- Duke vs. Cal Pick: Duke -3
My Cal vs. Duke best bet is on Duke to cover the spread. Find the best line available on our live NCAAF odds page.
Duke vs Cal Odds
| Duke Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3 -110 | 55.5 -110o / -110u | -150 |
| California Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3 -110 | 55.5 -110o / -110u | +125 |
- Duke vs Cal point spread: Duke -3
- Duke vs Cal over/under: 55.5 points
- Duke vs Cal moneyline: Duke -150, Cal +125
Duke vs Cal Preview
Duke Blue Devils Betting Preview: Expect Mensah to Shine
The Duke Blue Devils come into this one as winners of two straight as they head west for an ACC clash.
The Blue Devils' offense has been fun to watch with dual-threat Darian Mensah running the offense.
Mensah has made tremendous strides as a passer this season, as he comes in ranked 34th in yards per pass and 39th in completion percentage. His ability to accurately stretch the field will be key against a Cal secondary that's held its own.
However, we should see Mensah have plenty of success, as the Bears have struggled to generate much pressure, ranking 106th in sack rate. If Cal can't get to Mensah, he'll find open receivers, and if he does face pressure, he's more than capable of making things happen with his legs.
Speaking of the ground game, the Bears were thrashed on the ground last week by Boston College's Turbo Richard. Richard ran for 171 yards on 15 carries.
Aside from Mensah, Duke boasts an explosive backfield duo of its own.
It's safe to say that the Blue Devils will be a stiff test for the Bears.
California Golden Bears Betting Preview: Air Raid Incoming?
Cal gets to return home in what may wind up being a crucial ACC matchup, as it has the opportunity to assert itself into the upper echelon of the ACC.
The Golden Bears bounced back last week after an ugly loss to San Diego State.
If they're going to continue their winning ways, it's clear what they must do offensively. Duke's secondary has been thrashed, ranking 125th in opponent completion percentage and 115th in yards per pass.
That means this game will fall on the arm of the quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele. Sagapolutele has been asked to do a lot, as the Bears rank 30th in pass play rate, and aside from the game against San Diego State, he's done well.
However, the Bears' rushing attack has been nonexistent, ranking 124th in yards per rush. It's unlikely to improve this week against Duke, so, while the Blue Devils have struggled to slow down the passing game, it remains to be seen if Cal can sustain success as a one-dimensional offense.
Duke vs Cal Pick, Betting Analysis
This matchup should be highly entertaining, as these teams match up well.
The market came in early in support of Duke, but there was some buyback on the Bears at 3.5.
Although I'm on the side of the Blue Devils. Mensah and company present a lot of problems for a relatively untested Cal defense.
If the Blue Devils' secondary can show up, Duke has a clear avenue to cover the spread.
Pick: Duke -3
