cal st. bakersfield at cal

Cal -14.5 is the right side in the opener. We’ll likely fade both of these teams plenty this season, but this spot lines up for the Bears: roster influx, improved shooting profiles, and a frontcourt that should own the glass against an overhauled CSUB. The Roadrunners are in a bad place after Rod Barnes’ abrupt exit a month ago; Mike Scott has the locker room’s respect, but continuity and scheme install this late are uphill battles—especially on the road against a power-league rebounding team.

Cal’s questions are real, yet opening night usually favors the deeper, more talented group—particularly when the opponent is retooling its identity. Expect second-chance points and whistle pressure to tilt possessions Cal’s way.

How to bet it: Lay it pregame to position for profit (Cal -14.5; fine up to -15). Barring turnover madness, the Bears should cruise past CSUB and start 1–0 ATS.