Cal Golden Bears at Stanford Cardinal Picks and Prediction for Saturday, November 22, 2025
It's the 128th Big Game and we have one of the nation's biggest rivalries in college football. This ACC matchup in Week 13 offers a Northern California contest featuring a Cal vs. Stanford prediction. Set to take place inside Stanford Stadium on November 22nd at 7:30 PM ET, this game, airing on the ACC Network, will be an exciting matchup with two teams at different points this season. California is 6-4 (3-3 ACC) so far, while Stanford is currently 3-7 (2-5). With these teams struggling as of late, let's dive into the stats, injuries, and key insights for this matchup. Find the edge fast with NCAAF picks for the Cal Golden Bears at Stanford Cardinal.
Golden Bears Looking to Continue Building Towards Postseason
The California Golden Bears are looking to continue a strong season heading into this game as they are coming off a 29-26 overtime road win over the Louisville Cardinals on Nov. 8. Their offense has been performing at a respectable level as they are scoring 25.0 points per game this year, placing them tied for 83rd in the NCAA. Quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has been holding his own this season as he has completed 224-of-364 passes (61.5%) for 2,518 yards with 13 touchdown passes and nine interceptions heading into this game. As a team, they are moving the ball at a decent level as they are ranked 76th in the country in total yards, averaging 341.9 per game. California’s passing offense, which averages 263.5 yards per game, puts them at 14th in the sport. The rushing game, contributing 78.4 yards per game (133rd nationally), has been a major issue for the team in being able to move the football consistently.
The Golden Bears’ defense is currently tied for 75th in the sport with 25.2 points allowed per game. They are dominating in terms of the amount of yardage as they are 93rd in the nation with 354.9 total yards per game. The team has been limiting the amount of completions as they are holding the opposing quarterback to a 60.6 completion percentage (53rd). It will be difficult to slow things down, but California has showcased the ability to limit teams on this side of the field.
Injury Report for California
- Tight end Ben Marshall: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Running back Jayden Parker: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Running back LJ Johnson Jr: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Defensive lineman T.J. Bollers: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Offensive lineman Lamar Robinson: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Defensive back Mayze Bryant: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Defensive lineman Nate Burrell: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Linebacker Serigne Tounkara: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Defensive back Aiden Manutai: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Linebacker Ryan McCulloch: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Defensive back Isaiah Crosby: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Linebacker Cade Uluave: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Offensive lineman Sam Bjerke: Undisclosed (Questionable)
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Cardinal Looking to Snap Their Losing Streak
The Stanford Cardinal are looking to continue improving as they are looking to snap their three-game losing streak after a 20-15 road loss against the North Carolina Tar Heels in their last game. They are currently 129th in the NCAA with 17.7 points per game scored. The Cardinal’s offense is being led by quarterback Elijah Brown as he is stepping into the starting role after being the backup for the majority of the season. He has been able to complete 46-of-70 (65.7%) passes for 502 yards with two passing touchdowns and one interception. Wide receiver CJ Williams is the number-one option in the receiving game with his production as he has 53 receptions for 659 yards (12.4 yards per catch) with five touchdown grabs.
Their total offense stands at 307.4 yards per game (125th in NCAA), with the rushing attack able to get 76.9 yards (135th). The passing game has been middling with an average of 231.5 yards per game (67th).
Defensively, Stanford is giving up 29.1 points per game right now, which is tied for 97th in college football. The team allowed 407.7 total yards per game (104th) and while they are struggling, they are limiting the amount of yards on the ground. The Cardinal are currently 51st in college football with 3.9 yards per rushing attempt allowed as well.
Injury Report for Stanford
- Wide receiver Jordan Onovughe: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Wide receiver Jonanthony Hall: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Running back Tuna Altahir: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Cornerback Cam Richardson: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Linebacker Wilfredo Aybar: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Offensive lineman Jack Leyrer: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Offensive lineman Simione Pale: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Offensive lineman Nathan Mejia: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Defensive lineman R.J. Gaskins: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Cornerback Javion Randall: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Offensive lineman Nick Fattig: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Wide receiver David Pantelis: Undisclosed (OUT)
Cal Golden Bears at Stanford Cardinal Pick
Spread Pick for Cal at Stanford
- California Golden Bears -150 (5 units)
There is a significant difference between the California Golden Bears, who already have clinched a bowl game berth, and the Stanford Cardinal, who are in an interim situation and have a backup quarterback. Stanford has been unable to score many points lately as they are averaging just 14.4 points in their previous five games, so they are not able to make things happen too well. The Golden Bears can run the football at a significantly better level, and Sagapolutele should be able to throw the football at a good level at the very least. All in all, go with the California Golden Bears to record a victory in the penultimate game of the regular season.
Over/Under Pick for Cal vs. Stanford
- Under 45.5 (4 units)
These defenses are doing a good job, while these offenses are just absolutely abysmal. Both teams are struggling to maintain drives throughout the season when diving into the third-down numbers. California is 53-of-138 (38.41%) of their third down opportunities, while Stanford is 55-of-150 (36.67%) on the money down thus far. These teams are also unable to run the football effectively at all as the Golden Bears are 133rd in college football with 2.7 yards per carry, while the Cardinal are 136th in the NCAA with 2.3 yards per rushing attempt up to this point. The under has hit in the last two games against one another, so take under 45.5 total points to score here.
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