In a uniquely challenging year where the Pac-12 was down to just two teams, Oregon State’s 2024 season was inconsistent.
The Beavers won four of their first five contests, only losing to Oregon and earning a victory over Purdue during that stretch. Then OSU lost five straight, with the last three of those matchups being decided by double digits.
The Beavers did beat conference opponent Washington State, though, before losing at Boise State with bowl-eligibility on the line.
Will the Beavers manage to bounce back and get to a bowl game in 2025? They could, and getting a win this week would help.
Cal vs. Oregon State Betting Odds
Oregon State is a +1.5 college football betting odds underdog against Cal, with the Over/Under being 49.5.
The moneyline for Cal is -115, while it’s -105 for Oregon State.
Cal vs. Oregon State On TV
The matchup between Cal and Oregon State will be televised on ESPN.
The game will kick off at 10:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 30. The contest is taking place at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon.
Cal vs. Oregon State Prediction
I predict Oregon State will win and cover the 1.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 49.5 total points.
Oregon State has some solid players returning. But the Beavers also have to adjust following some losses as well.
Gevani McCoy, the Beavers’ starting quarterback last year, is now at Temple. But OSU did address the position in the transfer portal.
Maalik Murphy is now a Beaver after starting 12 games for Duke a season ago. He threw for 26 touchdowns, which ranked 13th in the country and was a single-season program record, and 2,933 yards, which ranked 22nd in the FBS. He also completed 60% of his passes while throwing 12 interceptions.
But OSU’s strength could be its running game. Anthony Hankerson is on the roster after leading OSU with 1,082 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground to go with 151 yards on 27 receptions.
Wide receivers Trent Walker and Darrius Clemons are also returning. Walker paced the Beavers with 81 receptions for 901 yards and two touchdowns, while Clemons added 292 yards and two touchdowns on 25 catches.
The Beavers also return some key players on defense. Defensive back Skyler Thomas led the Beavers with 81 tackles, two fumble recoveries, and nine passes defended to go with one interception a season ago.
I think Oregon State will be much better than it was last year. And I expect the Beavers will prove it with a win and a solid offensive performance in this matchup at home.
