Northwestern at California

The Northwestern Wildcats finally got the monkey off their backs last season by winning their first Bowl game since 1948. They also tied the school record with 10 wins on the season. Two of their losses could have gone the other way. They suffered an overtime loss to Michigan and a 1-point setback to Nebraska. That's a lot of momentum to carry into this season. This is a run-oriented offense with all the top skill players returning. The defense was equally strong last season as the Wildcats held eight different opponents to 20 points or less, and this looks to be another good season for the Cats. California won just three games a year ago, and regressed along the way, losing their last five where they averaged less than 15 points per game. Their secondary was awful, and they have lost three players from it, so it won't likely get much better - at least early. No talent equals no edge at home where the Golden Bears are 1-6 ATS in their last seven. Northwestern looks to build on a 12-1 ATS mark in their last 13. Take Northwestern in this one.