:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69821386/usa_today_16691423.0.jpg)
Two teams trending in opposite directions play their first Power Five opponents of the year on Saturday as Cal Golden Bears faces TCU Horned Frogs in Fort Worth, Texas on Saturday, September 11th at 3:30 p.m. ET. The game is scheduled to air on ESPNU.
If you stayed up past your bed time, you could’ve seen Cal start its season with a loss to the Nevada Wolf Pack late in Week 1’s Saturday night. The Bears marched down the field with two long drives that ended in touchdowns in their first two possessions for a 14-0, but they struggled to move the ball after a hot start. Chase Garbers completed 25 of 38 passes, but nothing went deep for just 177 yards through the air. Under Justin Wilcox, this should be a defensive-led team, but Cal needs more offensive fire power to avoid starting 0-2.
TCU played an FCS team to start their 2021 season with a 45-3 victory over Duquesne, so we didn’t learn much about this Horned Frogs team in a Week 1 game that featured 12-minute quarters in the third and fourth quarters. Quarterback Max Duggan didn’t see the field in the second half and completed 14 of 19 passes for 207 yards with a touchdown and an interception. We’ll learn more about the Horned Frogs at this point next week after seeing a quality Power 5 opponent. Like Cal, TCU is usually led by defense under Gary Patterson, so points could be at a premium in Week 2.
Odds from DraftKings Sportsbook
Spread: TCU -9.5
Total: 48.5
Moneyline: Cal +280, TCU -365
Line Movement
Opening Spread: TCU -9.5
Opening Total: 48.5
Key Injuries
California Golden Bears
DL Brett Johnson is questionable with a hip
TCU Horned Frogs
WR Mikel Barkley is out indefinitely with a foot
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA/MI), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (NH/CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-888-532-3500 (VA) or call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN). 21+ (18+ NH). CO/IL/IN/IA/NH/NJ/PA/TN/VA/WV/MI only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.